What's the 411 on SAMR??

Technology should transform learning!!!

In the world of instructional technology we hear about the SAMR Model ALL the time!  I must admit I've heard it talked about for years but just recently got super excited about it and its implementation  into the world of #edtech.  It's really a true no brainer. So, let's dive right in!

Recently, I participated in the EdTechTeam Virtual Summit and one of the things that I talked about was the SAMR Model and how, if used correctly, will allow you to be more intentional with your technology integration in your classes!   That's the goal, right!  Someone took a screen shot of the slide in my presentation that talked about the SAMR Model and it got a lot of attention, so I knew that I needed to delve in further!


It's important to keep in mind that when we choose technology tools to use with our students that we don't just select a tool for the sake of introducing a tool.  Rather, we want to REALLY understand what it is that we want our students to know and be able to do as a result of our teaching.  THEN we can pick the tool or tools that will compliment the delivery and make it understandable for our kids. The tool is the vehicle!





Here's a quick video that I found on YouTube that provides a great snapshot of what the SAMR Model is all about!

So, let's break it down!  

The purpose of the SAMR Model  is to see and understand how technology impacts teaching and learning.  The model presents a progression  of technology integration.  One reason that I love it is for those teachers that "think" they are integrating technology by simply projecting their lessons on their interactive panels (for example). The SAMR Model, when presented to teachers, gives them a guide to REAL technology integration through the different levels. The key to the model is that students must be engaged in their learning through the technology. Integration should never be viewed as "something else to do" but rather it should be woven into the culture of the classroom.  When this happens, we are properly integrating the SAMR Model.  Of course this requires having access to technology but you can properly integrate this into your classroom practice even if you don't have access to a ton of technology.  With a little technology, you will just have to be a little creative with how you go about doing things, but it can be done!

As we go through each of the steps, think of an assignment that you have given to your students that has not required technology (examples: a worksheet, an essay, note-taking, any kinds of formative assessments, etc.).

Substitution-In substitution, technology would be introduced into the lesson, however there would be no change in the outcome of the task.  For example, instead of a student writing their notes on a piece of paper, in substitution, they would take their notes in a Google Doc or in Microsoft Word.  The content of the notes doesn't change. They are the same notes on paper as they are on the computer. 

Augmentation-In this level of the SAMR Model, the integrated technology  provides students the opportunity complete a task in a different manner. A teacher may have asked their students to write a paragraph about the difference between a plant cell and an animal cell.  If we are making it a point to augment this lesson, we could ask the students to use Flipgrid to record a video of them explaining the difference between these types of cells.  The teacher and other classmates could then provide feedback to their student's videos. 

Let's take a break!  Get it?  Break dancing?  I crack myself up!  LOL!  As students move through the SAMR Model they should become more transformative in their learning as a result of being able to integrate technology.  Substitution and augmentation should enhance the student's learning.  All this means is that what we are asking our students to do will be enhanced as a result of integrating technology.  The products that they produce are a little more "shiny and blingy" as a result of integrating technology!  Modification and redefinition should transform the student's learning.  This is where the magic happens!  This is where the transformation happens in learning and it becomes more student led rather than teacher led. Learning happens on a global level...yes, all because of technology integration!

Modification-In modification, we cross over from enhancement into transformation.  At this level, we may ask students to take what they've learned and create a blog in Google Sites or Blogger.  They would complete all of the research, all of the editing, and all of the publishing themselves while the teacher kind of takes a step back and becomes the facilitator in the learning process. Students are able to find the answers to their questions and even begin to raise awareness on topics that matter to them.  Modification gives them the instructional technology vehicles to be able to make a difference using their voice. 

Redefinition-The last phase of the SAMR Model, redefinition, allows students to produce new tasks.  They are taking their notes from the redefinition example, their Flipgrid from the Augmentation example, and embedding them into their Blog in the Modification example.  They are then sharing this blog with students in another country that they communicate with via Google Hangouts or Skype.  They are not only co-writing blogposts but they are even creating videos and posting them on YouTube.  They've researched the material to create videos, they've edited them and added a creative touch.  Together, they collaborate and create a total package, if you will, that allows them to share with the world!  Learning is totally transformed!  

So there you go!  SAMR in a nutshell!  Once I broke it down in this manner it made a lot more sense to me.  I hope it does to you now as well!   

How are you incorporating the SAMR Model into your practice?