Integrating Technology into the Classroom and the SAMR Model.

The use of technology in the classroom is drastically different from when I was going to school. We did not have a Chromebook for every student, flash drives, smart phones, touch screen computers, or I-Pads. Technology has advanced quickly over the years but teachers are keeping up.

As educational leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure teachers are integrating technology into the classroom. Some make the argument that there are teachers that are too old to use technology in the classroom. This statement is just not true; any one can learn to use new technology in their classroom. Other would make the argument that people are unwilling to learn to use new technology. As an educational leader we should be inspiring our teachers to utilize technology in the classroom.

As educational leaders we should not get caught up with exactly what kind of technology our teachers and students are utilizing. We should be pushing for the integration of technology that best suites the teachers teaching style, the course content and the students. Currently there are many different apps and programs that do similar activities. Students can utilize the same apps, programs and online content from any computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone. The device, the apps and the programs do not matter anymore. There are so many apps and programs with similar functions and uses. Teachers should be encouraged to choose the one that bests fits their teaching style, the content being taught and the students.

Educational leaders should be modeling the SAMR model for integrating technology. The S stands for substitution. Meaning technology is being used as a tool to substitute as a better way of doing a task. For instance writing an essay in Google Docs instead of hand writing the essay on a piece of loose leaf paper would be an example of substitution.

The A in SAMR stands for augmentation. Meaning the use of the technology has resulted in simplifying the task.  For instance sharing an essay via Google Docs for peers to critique instead of handing them an essay on a piece of loose leaf paper would be an example of augmentation. This would be augmentation since the peer evaluation will be easier since each person can view the document at the same time and even from different locations. Each student does not have to crowd around a single loose leaf paper to read the essay.  

The M in SAMR represents modification. Modification means the technology has changed the way of doing the task. For instance when leaving comments during a peer review students would write comments in the margins or on another piece of paper. When using Google docs, students and teachers can leave comments by marking locations in the leave a comment and a window pops up for the peer or teacher to leave a comment, this would be an example of a modification.

The R in SAMR stands for redefinition. Redefinition would be completing an essay in a whole new way. For instance the students may create a video to present the information from the essay. Students could use a platform like Flipgrid.com to create a video presenting their essay and then students can critique or comment on the video by leaving a video response.

The SAMR model for technology integration should be in every educational leaders’ tool box. The SAMR model is a perfect tool to evaluate technology integration. Technology has advanced quickly over the years and the SAMR model is one way to ensure we are staying current in our schools.

 Check out the video on SAMR Model! Click on the link below:

SAMR Model Youtube Video

References:

Hamilton, E.R., Rosenberg, J.M., & Akcaoglu, M. (2016), The substitution augmentation modification redefinition (SAMR) model: a critical review and suggestions for its use. TechTrends, 60, 433-441.