Behaviorism has been widely criticized as reductive insofar as it trains human beings like animals and ignores the interior processes that take place in the mind while learning. Over time, the education community moved away from behaviorism, preferring instead to embrace what was seen as more positive and supportive methods for creating successful learners and their learning outcomes. Nevertheless, behaviorist tools and methods remain prevalent but not exclusively so in education. In modern times this is especially easy to observe in the distance education space. Computer-mediated interactions lack the ability for nuance, therefore, somewhat ironically, our advanced technology tends to rely on the most simple pedagogical tools, utilizing behaviorist, lowest common denominator, and one-size-fits-all methods.

Consider the design of most online courses, they will always feature a clear starting point, identical learning materials for all students, a predictable learning path all learners are expected to proceed through at the same set pace. If a student fails to pass every gauntlet, negative messages and notifications often appear. Oftentimes they are restricted from the next section of the course unless they go back and get it right or similarly punished. If a learner is displaying the appropriate behavior to succeed, they are usually offered confetti and digital trophies.