Self-Evaluating Myself Through the SAMR Model

 Technology in the Classroom

Life as an educator calls for the use of technology in the classroom. Imagine two classrooms, one where the teacher uses a smart board  and the other a whiteboard. A teacher can use a whiteboard to write and draw information during lessons. Students can come up to the board and contribute via writing or exchanging thoughts. A photo can be taken of the notes but ultimately the whiteboard will have to be erased to make room for new materials. A regular whiteboard limits the interaction and resources that a teacher can provide to their students. While a smart board can enhance the students' and teachers' experience. A smart board allows for educators to not only write down notes, but share them digitally, save files, collaborate with students, record lessons, share videos and much more! Which would you rather have, a whiteboard or smart board? 

Were you able to see the technology integration differences between the two classrooms? In the classroom where the students only use a whiteboard they are limited on creativity and collaboration. A smart board allows opportunities to further collaboration, creativity, time, accessibility and much more! This example of technology in the classroom shows the substitution and augmentation phases of the SAMR Model. 

SAMR Model

What is the SAMR Model? SAMR stands for substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition. This model classifies how technology affects education into four phrases.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

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1) Substitution: The first phase is replacing old materials or actions with digital versions. This includes changing from paper to worksheets to digital ones. You can scan and share worksheets digitally instead of printing them. This phases does not require anything fancy, just simple changes. Some more examples of substitution include

• Smartboards
• Powerpoint
• PDFs
• Ipads

2) Augmentation: The second phase takes it a step further. This allows for more enhanced changes to online learning. This creates opportunities for digital advancements like hyperlinks and multimedia. This includes the utilization of digital portfolios and virtual bulletins. I have used examples such as

• Padlet
• Kahoot
• Hyperlinks
• Multimedia

3) Modification: This phase allows educators to make relevant and notable adjustments in redesigns, communication and collaboration. This phase opens new doors to the enhancement of communication and collaboration in the classroom. Students who may not feel comfortable speaking out loud in the class now have the opportunity to use a chat feature. Teachers can leave feedback and students get the opportunity to make changes digital and develop their skills. Some examples of this are

• Google Classroom
• Zoom (chat)
• Canvas
• Moodle

4) Redefinition: This is the final phase in the model. This phases is where the impossible in classroom becomes possible. This is where the educator can redefine the objectives and create something new that can elevate the learning experience. Technology has made this possible in various ways such as

• Virtual pen pals
• Virtual guest visits
• Virtual tours/field trips

Self-Evaluation

Image Source: Structural Learning

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SAMR is a spectrum and I do not think I fall into just one phase of the model. Being a primary school educator, I have to be constantly developing and enhancing my skills so that my students are receiving the best education and resources possible. This includes using the right technology tools for my students. The right tools vary depending on the classroom or student. This is why I believe that I do not fall into one phase, as my students require me to flexible based on their needs. However, if you were to ask me which phase or category I spend most of my time, I would state the modification phase. I use Google Classroom everyday while at work and sometimes at home. I assign materials such as videos and digital assignments for my students to complete. I can use Google Classroom to assign projects, make important announcements, organize subjects and more! All these features allow for students to be active participants in their learning and to have real time collaboration with their peers. Google Classroom is an essential tool that I use everyday. In the future I would like to use all phases of the SAMR Model equally. I think by utilizing all levels more equally I can ensure that I am catering to all my students needs and developing my skills. This would allow for a more equal and equitable learning environment.   

References

            Terada, Y. (2020). A Powerful Model for Understanding Good Tech Integration. Edutopia.    

                     https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration

            Google Classroom: A teachers guide. (2023). Www.structural-Learning.com.       

                    https://www.structural-learning.com/post/google-classroom