Module 1.2 - SAMR Model

 SAMR Model

Educators apply pedagogical approaches made possible by technology and reflect on their effectiveness. (ISTE Standards for Educators 1a).

Simply having technology in your classroom or handing out Chromebooks and iPads to students does not ensure that student learning is truly being enhanced by the technology. Ed tech researchers study educational technology practices to determine which pedagogical approaches increase student achievement. If students can do the same tasks and learn to the same depth with or without a technology tool, is the tool really needed? When technology enhances the learning experience, deepens student understanding, or gives teachers and students opportunities that they would not have without it does it become transformative.

The SAMR model is one way to evaluate the level to which technology rich learning activities are designed to transform learning. It provides a framework for evaluating the effective use of technology in teaching and learning.

The SAMR model classifies digital learning experiences into four levels: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. It is important to note that the four levels are not necessarily intended to be viewed as a bad to good continuum. Each level may have its place in the classroom, however the depth of engagement, knowledge (DOK), innovation, and student achievement increases with each step. Watch the video below to learn more.

Substitution

At this level, tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change. Examples of Substitution include:

Instead of using an actual geoboard to investigate shapes, students use a geoboard app	Reading a book on an iPad instead of from a hard copy	Using PowerPoint to present instead of doing an oral presentation

Augmentation

At this level, tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement. Examples of Augmentation include:

Using a geoboard app that challenges students to build and identify shapes and gives feedback about their answers	Reading a book on an iPad and using the screenreader, built-in dictionary, note taking tools, search feature, and hyperlinks	Using PowerPoint to present and enhancing it with in animations, voiceover, and hyperlinks

Modification

At this level, tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement, and is dependent upon the technology. Examples of Modification include:

Students use a camera app to hunt for shapes found in their school surroundings then create a slideshow with narration explaining how they identified each shape	Students create graphic novel versions of the book they have been reading to practice focusing in on descriptive language and characterization and record themselves reading their stories	Using Google Slides to create a collaborative group presentation that allows other students to post real-time questions and feedback during the presentation

Redefinition

At this level, tech allows for the creation of new tasks, which previously would be inconceivable without the technology. Examples of Redefinition include:

Students design functional or artistic sculptures made from foundational shapes then print their creations on a 3D printer or using a 3D pen	Students write a screen play, storyboard, and create their own multimedia project representing their interpretation or spin on a story and share their creation where students from around the globe can view and comment	After conducting research, students write their own guide and take their classmates on a 360 degree Google Expedition or even create their own 360 image and accompanying tour guide and publish it online for others to enjoy