Enhancing Education with the SAMR Model

Sep 7, 2024

Integrating Technology in Learning Design: The SAMR Model

Introduction

  • Purpose: Teachers aim to engage students in rich learning experiences by targeting higher-order thinking skills.
  • Technology's Role: Adds a new layer to teaching and learning.
  • SAMR Model: Developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura to evaluate technology integration in education.

SAMR Model Overview

  • Acronym Explanation:
    • Substitution
    • Augmentation
    • Modification
    • Redefinition
  • Analogy: Likened to moving up a ladder.
  • Threshold: A dotted line in the model signifies the shift from enhancing learning to transforming learning.
  • Transforming Learning: Promotes higher-order thinking skills like analyzing, evaluating, and creating, essential for common core standards and 21st-century learning.

Stages of the SAMR Model

Substitution

  • Description: Technology acts as a direct tool substitute with no functional change.
  • Example: Using a word processor for creative writing instead of handwriting.

Augmentation

  • Description: Technology substitutes with functional improvements.
  • Example: Using spell check and formatting tools in a word processor for creative writing.

Modification

  • Description: Significant task redesign through technology.
  • Example: Using Google Docs for collaborative story writing with real-time peer feedback.

Redefinition

  • Description: Creation of new, previously inconceivable tasks.
  • Example: Transforming written stories into multimedia productions like filmed scenes and published videos.

Reflecting and Designing with SAMR

  • Reflection Questions:
    • What gains are achieved by replacing older technology?
    • Have improvements been added that couldn't be achieved with older technology?
    • Does the task depend fundamentally on new technology?
    • How is the new task uniquely possible through new technology?
  • Purpose: Helps evaluate classroom task design and ensures technology integration is effective.

Conclusion

  • Goal of SAMR: Evaluate technology use and design tasks that target higher-order thinking skills, engage students, and enhance student achievement.