Integrating technology into a blended learning experience has become a necessity for those educators wanting to engage student centered learning in the 21st century classroom. While it is possible to create a successful and highly interactive student based learning experience without technology, it is technology that can amplify the learning experience. It must be remembered that is amplification will have an affect on great educational pedagogy, but will also do the same for instruction that may not meet the goal. As teachers invite technology into the classroom it has become evident that as learners themselves, they go through formative steps as they become proficient in the blended experience. Through the work of Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph. D. the SAMR Model
(Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition) provides a wonderful lens to look at this progression. The following steps include
Substitution - Tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change
At this stage technology replaces an activity that may have been done before using an analog version. This might include word processing a student authored story rather then hand writing it. The teacher must reflect on what might be gained with this substitution.
Augmentation - Tech acts as a direct substitute tool, with functional improvement
At this stage the technology has improved the learning experience by adding functionality that would have not been as possible. In a word processing document students are taught to use different tools such as the word count, thesaurus, and grammar checks. The basic design of the project is still somewhat the same.The teacher must reflect and recognize that the technology added to the experience, and the over all learning has been improved because of the technology integration.
Modification - Tech allows for significant task redesign
At this stage the technology has the opportunity to change the look and feel of what student perform. This might include authoring a story in Google Doc so that peer editing and collaboration can happen anytime and anyplace. Perhaps even some picture are added to the story to further engage the intended audience. The teacher must reflect on whether the technology did allow for some project redesign that enhanced the project while still accomplishing the learning objectives.
Redefinition - Tech allows for creation of new tasks that were previously inconceivable
At this stage the technology allows students to jump outside the original design box. A story could change into a picture book, a slide show, or even a movie. The original standards remain with addition of new skills that circle around 21st century skills. The redesign was made possible because of the blending of the technology. At the same time the technology might appear transparent to the learning process. The teacher must reflect on whether the redesign still accomplished original standards while also allowing for engaged student centered learning.
All educators must realize that a final goal of any classroom is redefinition. At the same time, there will be times where even the most proficient educators may conduct a task at the substitution level. A understanding of the SAMR Model allows educators to reflect on their own progress while investigating ways to use educational technology in a useful and productive way. Please take a moment to learn more about the SAMR Model by viewing the video below and exploring the provided links.
SAMR Model and 21st Century Skills
SAMR Model Example
Dr. Puentedura Blog
K. Ward SAMR Discussions Example
SAMR... Teaching Above the Line
Creative Commons - Top Image the creation of Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D. http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/
(Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition) provides a wonderful lens to look at this progression. The following steps include
Substitution - Tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change
At this stage technology replaces an activity that may have been done before using an analog version. This might include word processing a student authored story rather then hand writing it. The teacher must reflect on what might be gained with this substitution.
Augmentation - Tech acts as a direct substitute tool, with functional improvement
At this stage the technology has improved the learning experience by adding functionality that would have not been as possible. In a word processing document students are taught to use different tools such as the word count, thesaurus, and grammar checks. The basic design of the project is still somewhat the same.The teacher must reflect and recognize that the technology added to the experience, and the over all learning has been improved because of the technology integration.
Modification - Tech allows for significant task redesign
At this stage the technology has the opportunity to change the look and feel of what student perform. This might include authoring a story in Google Doc so that peer editing and collaboration can happen anytime and anyplace. Perhaps even some picture are added to the story to further engage the intended audience. The teacher must reflect on whether the technology did allow for some project redesign that enhanced the project while still accomplishing the learning objectives.
Redefinition - Tech allows for creation of new tasks that were previously inconceivable
At this stage the technology allows students to jump outside the original design box. A story could change into a picture book, a slide show, or even a movie. The original standards remain with addition of new skills that circle around 21st century skills. The redesign was made possible because of the blending of the technology. At the same time the technology might appear transparent to the learning process. The teacher must reflect on whether the redesign still accomplished original standards while also allowing for engaged student centered learning.
All educators must realize that a final goal of any classroom is redefinition. At the same time, there will be times where even the most proficient educators may conduct a task at the substitution level. A understanding of the SAMR Model allows educators to reflect on their own progress while investigating ways to use educational technology in a useful and productive way. Please take a moment to learn more about the SAMR Model by viewing the video below and exploring the provided links.
SAMR Model and 21st Century Skills
SAMR Model Example
Dr. Puentedura Blog
K. Ward SAMR Discussions Example
SAMR... Teaching Above the Line
Creative Commons - Top Image the creation of Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D. http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/