The SAMR Model
This week, I studied frameworks for technology integration. There was one framework that stood out to me and that was the SAMR Model.
This model explains four tiers of using technology in the classroom. The four categories are Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. Each tier in the model mean different things.
Substitution - Substitution is simply replacing materials with a digital version. This could be worksheets or anything that students may complete with a paper and pencil. There is no big change in the content the students are learning. It is just delivered digitally instead. Another example of substitution is converting your Word Wall digitally so that students have access to the Word Wall online as well.
Augmentation - Augmentation is adding enhancements to make your technology more interactive. You can add comments or hyperlinks that students can engage with. The content does not change, but technology enhances the lesson.
Modification - Modification is when the technology in the classroom advances even more. In this tier of the model, teachers consider using a learning management system such as Schoology. You can use a learning management system to track grading, communicate with students through messaging, and post assignments. Students who may be nervous to participate in the classroom can use a learning management system to participate.
Redefinition - Redefinition is the most advanced tier in the SAMR model. This is using technology in the classroom to create activities that would not be possible without the use of technology. An example of this could be a virtual field trip to see Ellis Island. As a student who does not live in New York, it would be impossible to go on a field trip to see Ellis Island. The use of technology in the classroom can change this, therefore being redefined.
A better way to understand the SAMR model is to think of the model as a swimming pool. Substituiton and Augmentation are considered to be the shallow end of the pool. Modification and Redefinition are the deep end of the pool. For someone who is unable to swim, they probably should not jump right in to the deep end of the pool. This is similar with using technology. It is a process that one should ease into and not jump right into the deep end. This video does a great job comparing the SAMR model to a swimming pool:
Video Source: jaclynbstevens.com
In My Classroom
As for my own classroom, I consider myself to be in the modification tier of t he SAMR model. This is for multiple reasons. By all means, I am no tech guru. In fact, my school district didn't have one on one devices that the students could bring home up until the COVID pandemic. It is honestly mind blowing how quickly my school district adapted to the new norm 🤯 I quickly took full advantage to the new programs that were purchased and the different professional development opportunities that were provided to me. Currently, in 2023, I use Schoology as my learning management system. I post assignments, message students, post my weekly calendar, and grade work all on this one platform. It makes the work a lot more accessible to students who may be absent from school or if I need a substitute for the day. Although I consider myself to be in the modification tier most of the time, it ultimately depends on what I am doing in the classroom. For instance, during language arts, I do want my students to practice their writing skills with a pencil and paper. I feel as though this is still considered to be a life skill that students still need to have. Not all assignments are on paper and pencil, but specific writing assignments (like writing rough drafts or creating paragraphs using CER) I choose to be on paper.On the flip side to this, when I teach my social studies classes, I tend to occasionally bump up to the redefinition tier. I like my students to create digital projects to assess their content knowledge. On top of that, I allow them to go on virtual field trips or experience different geographical locations using Google Maps street view. I have always considered getting pen pals for my students, but I haven't looked too much into it just yet. I would love to do this down the road though. Even though I implement these concepts in my social studies classroom, I would still say I am not always in the redefinition tier. I still have a lot of work to do and progress to make before I can say that I in the redefinition tier of the model fully. Eventually, I want to make my social studies classroom a redefinition classroom, but it will take some time to get there. Right now, I can only swim in the deep end for so long before I need a break!
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To your original point, Bridget, no one stays in the "deep end" of SAMR all the time so it makes sense that some of your lessons would fall under redefinition and others would not. In fact, I'd be highly suspicious if you claimed they add did so I enjoyed your reflection!
ReplyDeleteDigital pen pals are a great idea. Check out this resource: https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/global_citizenship_teachers_corner_week_3_final.pdf
Bridget, I very much enjoyed the analogy of comparing the SAMR model to a swimming pool, so thank you for including that in your post. I also experienced the same with my school being able to provide 1:1 devices until the pandemic started. I too took advantage of all of the free acess that educators got during that time for educational platforms and programs. It was great to be able to "test" out these programs during the pandemic. Our school actually ended up purschasing some of these programs after their free trial because they had worked so well for us. Do you think that in the near future the traditional paper and pencil will be ever be replaced or extingushied?
ReplyDeleteBridget, I have to say it is amazing how schools adjusted to Pandemic. I started working at the school I am currently at a few months before it started and amazing how schools immediately focused on making sure students had some sort of technology available to them. I didn't really see the programs available but observed it when my kids were in 1st and 5th grade. The teachers creatively had access to reading programs that allowed them to track reading. I did look into other resources available that were provided by the teacher that we could check out for free. I love how you mentioned the use of pencil and paper in the classroom. In the classroom, we currently work with a variety of students who may have issues with the basic formation of letters, numbers and sounds. Pandemic I would say hurt those students because of not being able to write. Do you think you will continue using pencil and paper assignments as technology continues to evolve?
ReplyDeleteHi Bridget! I appreciate your summary and all of your examples related to the SAMR model. I wanted to focus my time on reading Posts about this Framework Model because when I was first learning about the Framework, this model was the hardest for me to understand. I think I am beginning to comprehend it a little more.
ReplyDeleteI am not aware nor have I ever used Schoology, but you mentioned that you post assignments there in addition to other things. Would you consider it better than Google Classroom? Are they similar or are they different?
Also, I have also had the idea of Pen Pals for my students (it is something I seriously would love to do with my AP students). I would love it for them to be from different Spanish Speaking Countries. If you do get started on that soon, I would love to hear all your ideas attached to that!