The SAMR Model

Technology Takeover

    As time goes on, we as a society become increasingly more tech-focused and find even more types of technologies to continue to integrate in our lives. Take for instance the evolution of online classes. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, online classes existed before  but no where near the amount of quantity that is offered today. 

    This week for my technology programming and services course, we were introduced into multiple frameworks for technology integration. After skimming all of them, the one that piqued my interest the most was the SAMR model. 

What is the SAMR model?

    SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. This framework presents in four ways in which technology can be effectively integrated into teaching. 

Image Source: 3P Learning

    "Substitution and augmentation strategies use EdTech [Educational Technology] to enhance learning and add value, whereas modification and redefinition stages harness EdTech to transform learning and make new things possible." Best (2020)

SAMR at a closer glance

    Substitution uses technology to provide convenience by saving space and time. Some examples of substitution include:

1. Having students type their work instead of handwriting it
2. Using online quizzes and programs instead of pen and paper
3. Uploading a worksheet in PDF for student access, as opposed to photocopying
4. Using a digital interactive whiteboard as opposed to a traditional whiteboard and saving the results as a document.

    Augmentation uses technology to add something to the learning process. Some examples of augmentation are:

1. Students give more informative and engaging oral presentations accompanied by a PowerPoint or Prezi containing multimedia elements.
2. Teacher instruction is supplemented with a video that clarifies a particularly hard to explain concept.

    Modification uses technology to design interactive tasks that go beyond the limitations of a traditional classroom. Some examples of modification are:

1. Students produce podcasts summarizing a topic, which can then be accessed by other students as a revision resource.
2. Students create an informative video presentation in place of a standard oral presentation.

    Redefinition gives students strong technological soft skills such as digital collaboration, communication, technological literacy, and the ability to adapt to new systems and processes.

1. Having students publish their work online where it can be viewed by peers and the broader community
2. Recording students as they deliver a presentation or practice a physical skill, then using this recording to prompt student reflection
3. Experimenting with tasks that use extensive multimodal elements (e.g. producing documentaries or short films, webpages, print documents with creative layouts)

Video Source: EdTech Hustle YouTube Channel

Personal experience with SAMR

    I am not an educator, but as a library associate my application of this model aligns with Augmentation the most. I use technology to enhance my story times with software programs such as Novel Effect that create background noises for the stories I am reading. I like to keep the attention of children and throwing in technology that deviate from a traditional read-a-long with silly sound effects keeps them engaged and having fun, which most importantly makes them excited to see me again! For adult programs, I some times have educational classes on a certain topic that I will create a PowerPoint for to provide additional visuals or information that could slip my mind while presenting. 

    For the SAMR model being applied to me as a student, I have used "substitution" by typing out work and taking online quizzes. I have used "augmentation" by through many PowerPoint presentations through my academics. I have used "modification" by creating video presentations. It was not until I entered my current technology programming and services course that I began to experience "redefinition" by creating a blog that peers can view and comment on.

References

Best, J. (2020, October 9). The SAMR Model Explained (With 15 Practical Examples). 3P Learning. https://www.3plearning.com/blog/connectingsamrmodel/