What is SAMR?
SAMR is a model that categorizes four different ways to integrate technology into the classroom. The purpose of the SAMR model is to incorporate activities into the classroom that did not exist before the computer and internet were invented. The last decade educators have been talking about how to incorporate 21st century learning into the classroom. The SAMR model is one way to do that.
The letters in SAMR stand for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. The SAMR model is similar to Bloom's Taxonomy because it was created to help teachers get their students to reach complex concepts. The model starts out simpler by just enhancing activities, and gets more challenging as you begin to transform activities. However, thinking about the SAMR model as levels that you try to reach can be misleading because for some lessons substitution may be the best option. Technology can be just a replacement tool, but it can also allow us to perform activities that would otherwise be impossible. Substitution and Augmentation are seen as enhancement steps, while modification and redefinition are seen as transformation steps. To learn more about the SAMR model click here.
SAMR Broken Down
Substitution- When technology acts as a direct substitute for a traditional approach. For example, students may take notes on a laptop instead of writing them with pencil and paper.
Augmentation- Again the technology is a direct substitute for a more traditional approach, but with improvements that benefit student learning. For example, the students taking notes on the laptop can add images, hyperlink text, and easily format text.
Modification- In this stage you begin to move from not just enhancing the material, but also transforming it. This results in a change in the actual lesson plan. For example, students could write and publish a blog as their project, which would be accessible to an audience. This will make students more accountable for their work. The key question to ask yourself here is, "does the technology significantly alter the task"?
Redefinition- This final stage requires the teacher to think about learning activities that were not possible before technology. For example, students from different parts of the world could collaborate on a project together using Google Docs or Skype. This allows for students to learn from other students who may not be similar to them. The key question to ask yourself here is, "does this activity redefine a task in a way that would have been impossible without technology"?
To see the SAMR categories explained in a video click here.
How SAMR applies to Kindergarten
Kindergarten students are not too young to begin introducing technology to them. In fact, many of them have already been around technology most of their life. There are multiple ways to integrate technology into the classroom using the SAMR model. Below are examples to use technology with the four different categories.
Substitution- An example of how to use substitution technology in a kindergarten classroom would be to play a video of a read aloud instead of reading a book aloud to the class yourself.
Augmentation- An example of how to use augmentation technology in a kindergarten classroom would be to have students read books on an iPad. Students could click on words they do not know to have them read to them, or explain the definition. Another feature would be if the iPad was reading aloud the story and the words of the text became highlighted to help the student follow along.
Modification- An example of how to use modification technology in a kindergarten classroom would be to have students write their own book and then publish it. This would make students feel like they were a real author. Publishing student work is an important part of the writing process.
Redefinition- An example of how to use redefinition technology in a kindergarten classroom would be to have students video chat with another classroom in China if they were learning about the culture of China. This would give students here and in China the opportunity to learn first hand about another culture.
Reviews of the SAMR Model
Most educators will agree that there are many pros to using the SAMR model. The model allows for educators to use technology as a tool for learning. The model also helps educators brainstorm new ways to use technology for a purpose instead of being a learning outcome. However, one drawback to the SAMR model is that it can potentially lead educators to believe that each category is better than the last. This can cause educators to feel like the must reach the top category no matter what they are teaching or the learning outcome they are looking for.
My Personal Opinion
I personally believe that the SAMR model would be a great tool to use in the classroom to help maximize technology use, but also to make sure it is the right kind of technology. If the addition of technology does not help students achieve the learning outcome then it is not necessary. As a soon to be first year teacher I think I would refer back to this model while making lesson plans. I would integrate technology in my classroom by using the kindergarten examples I listed above.
References
Schoology. (2017, October). SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for EdTech Integration. Retrieved January 31, 2020, from https://www.schoology.com/blog/samr-model-practical-guide-edtech-integration
Spencer, J. (2015, November). What is the SAMR Model and what does it look like in schools? Retrieved January 31, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC5ARwUkVQg
Thoughts on SAMR model. (2015, January 29). Retrieved January 31, 2020, from http://mrspsclass.blogspot.com/2015/01/thoughts-on-samr-model.html
