The SAMR Model:
This model is one of the most popular models used by educators today. It stands for different types of implementation of technology in the classroom. S-Substitution, A-Augmentation, M-Modification, and R-Redefinition. It begins with Substitution and then works it’s way up like a ladder to Redefinition. There is also a line that separates SA and MR. Why is this? Because substitution models and augmentation models are ones that simply switch out old fashioned ways of doing things for the technology version of them. For example, when writing a creative writing assignment, the teacher could substitute old fashioned paper and pencil for a word processing program on a computer. Augmentation takes it one step further with simple technological improvements made to the assignment such as access to spell check and formatting options on the word processing document. These models do not require students to have higher order thinking skills and the technology does not enhance their understanding. In the Modification and Redefinition portions of the SAMR model, the technology does actually require students to have higher order thinking skills such as analyzing and creating, which in turn, enhances the student’s understanding. In these models, students would take their creative writing assignment and use tools online to create a homemade movie or presentation about their own story.
Why is it important to teach “above the line”?
It’s very important that teachers understand that technology can do so much more for our students besides making a task easier. Instead of just using a technological device to make writing faster, accessing information faster, and other simple tasks, technology can actually be harnessed to improve student’s higher order thinking skills and to enhance their understanding of concepts. We can do this effectively by teaching above the line in the SAMR model. To teach above the line means to modify, manipulate, redefine, or transform technology to fit the needs of our students and provide them with a fun and challenging way to provide education.
Should we use the SAMR model? Should we discuss it with our students?
I personally like the SAMR model because it’s a very clear way to understand the different ways that technology can be implemented. I also like that they make the clear distinction between the simple ways to implement technology and the more advanced ways to implement it. If I were to use this model in the classroom, I would explain it to my students. I think this because it is a very easy model to explain and use. As important as it is for teacher’s to understand how to implement and use technology to it’s full advantage, I think that it’s important that students understand this concept as well. If students understand that they can use technology to help them understand concepts, such as looking at other models or information online, or that it can help them create things from scratch to develop their creative side, this could motivate them to want to do it more and maybe even do extra work at home. This is wishful thinking! However, I think it would just be good to introduce students to the idea that technology is a guide, a resource, and something fun that students should be able to explore.
How does SAMR relate to the Grounded Integration Approach?
The grounded integration approach states that students should come first and technology should come last. This type of approach helps guide teachers to a student centered approach to planning. It has 5 steps: 1. Choose learning goals 2. Make pedagogical Decisions 3. Select Activity types to combine 4. Choose assessment 5. Select tools/technology/resources. This model is a general model to follow when planning everything rather than just planning out the technology you are going to use and how to use it. I think the SAMR model would fit right into step 5 of the Grounded Integration Approach. I think it is good to use both of these models when planning because it explains every aspect of planning including standards, content, goals, and assessment.
How does SAMR relate to the TIM (Technology Integration Matrix) Models?
The TIM model I really like is proposed by Florida. (http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix.php) This model has a lot more information that the SAMR but relates to it by showing levels of integration in classroom. It has 5 levels of integration (entry, adoption, adaption, infusion, transformation) and 5 levels of student interaction (active, collaborative, constructive, authentic, and goal-directed.) These 10 levels form a matrix together which has descriptions for each cell in the matrix. Both of these models show different ways of integration and show the benefits of the higher order thinking integrations (Redefinition = transformation) Both can act as a guideline for reflection on implementation of technology into the classroom.
How does SAMR relate to TPACK?
TPACK is technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge. It is a model that shows how these three types of knowledge interact with each other and work together to make great lessons with technology imbedded in them. SAMR could be a good guide to use along with TPACK. TPACK encourages focus on how technology can change and enhance pedagogical and content knowledge. I think teachers should understand how technology can change pedagogy and content in the classroom before they choose a type of implementation. If you don’t want a drastic change right at first, start with substitution, then work your way up the ladder until you feel comfortable enough to stay “above the line.”
So, which model do I prefer as a future teacher?
As I have explained throughout this post, all these great models should work off of each other because each has important information that the other one might not include. Overall, I would use a combination of these models as a guide to implementing technology into my future classroom in a way that puts the students first, supports pedagogical knowledge, supports content knowledge, supports higher order thinking, and overall enhances the student’s learning. If I had to choose one model though, I would use the Florida TMI model. I like this because it has in depth descriptions for how the classroom should look like in each type of model. It has lots of great information and guidelines for teachers to follow to create great lessons that enhance the students understanding and overall learning.
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