How Does Technology Fit Into the Classroom: SAMR Model Can Help

We live in the "Digital Age".  Most 5 year olds and younger are able to pick up a tablet or iPhone and know how it operates (within a basic level).  As we have been learning, more and more classrooms are becoming better equipped to take on the technology that is available in today's classroom.  As a new teacher, I am able to learn how and when to use technology in my future class.  With so much at our finger tips we can do anything.  The fact that students are able to use more tools to create, research and deliver content is such a huge advantage for today's learner.  But where does it all fit?  How do we engage the students' minds and thoughts?  Some say technology is bad for them.  Others say it will replace teachers in the future.  I don't believe either of these theories.  Technology is such an integral part of the 21st Century learner.  

Using the SAMR model, teachers can better equip their classroom for the tech advantage.  SAMR is an acronym for: S-Substitution A-Augmentation M-Modification R-Redefinition.  The model was designed by "Ruben Puentedura to provide educators with a framework for successful technology integration." (https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-02-06-a-guide-for-bringing-the-samr-model-to-ipads) See we can't just bring in a bunch of iPads and MacBooks and say ok, let's learn!  An example of Substitution would be reading a book on the iPad as opposed to a physical book.  Augmentation would be the ability to search a word or topic on the internet an or define a word as the student is reading.  It would certainly enhance the literacy experience (I personally use this all the time when I am writing and reading.)  An example of Modification could be sharing a file in Google Drive and collaborating on an assignment together.  "To use technology to modify learning, we add multimedia through video, sound and audio. Students could create a soundtrack in Garageband for a multimedia presentation." (https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-02-06-a-guide-for-bringing-the-samr-model-to-ipads) It also could be creating a learning plan for students with Exceptionalities to assist them in the learning process.  It could be the use of Flipped Classroom, virtual assignments and using video and websites to enhance the learning experience.  Redefinition would be working through a task that can only be accomplished by using tech.  The options are almost limitless to what you can do.  Below is a great info graphic from Kathy Schrock's web site:

This explains it in a simple yet efficient way.  The goal for the teacher is to construct a simple SAMR ladder that is coupled to Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy -- i.e., as the task moves from lower to upper levels of the taxonomy, it also moves from lower to upper levels of SAMR." (graphite.org) So to use SAMR, it is good to revisit Bloom's Taxonomy to help you better understand what it means.  

Using tech aligns well with Standard 3 of the NCPTS in that teacher's understand the content they teach.  As an educator, technology is a great tool to use in the classroom.  But if we do not have an understanding or know how to incorporate technology into the content we teach, we might as well not use it.  If students are not engaged or they are distracted by technology, then it will be hard to get anything done. So it is important to know how and when and why to use technology within a lesson. SAMR and technology also can be associated with Standard 4: Teachers Facilitate learning for their students.  While creating environments using group work, communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as developing teams and leaders within the teams, teachers are able to better prepare students for success in the real world and work scenarios they may encounter.  

To sum it all up, technology is very much here to stay and the way in which teachers use it within the classroom is up to them.  It can be a useful tool if used properly and can promote a broader awareness of the world around us.  Also, technology is a useful tool to help encourage and teach students with learning difficulties and exceptionalities.  I plan to take full advantage of any and all technology I will be able to use in my classroom.  I plan to have students do podcasts, using Periscope, Twitter, doing research projects using multimedia (videos, designing info graphics etc...) as well as using online assistance for parents as well as students.  
  

Works Cited:

• https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-02-06-a-guide-for-bringing-the-samr-model-to-ipads

• http://www.schrockguide.net/samr.html

• https://www.graphite.org/blog/samr-and-blooms-taxonomy-assembling-the-puzzle