The SAMR swimming pool: Can you swim?

image source: t2i2.weebly.com/samr-model

Technology use in the classroom has come a long way, but it has made leaps and bounds in the past four years. I am very comfortable using and learning new technology in my classroom, whether in-person, blended, or online-distance teaching. However, I’ve never looked at how I use the technology and how it affects my students' outcomes. All of these online platforms produce data however, it is data about what the students know, not how the tech they use affects them.

As I read through the Frameworks for Technology Integration, I instantly connected with the SAMR model. Developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the SAMR model stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. This model represents a spectrum of technology integration from simple enhancement to meaningful transformation of classroom activities. The SAMR model serves as a guide for educators to enhance learning experiences, encourage deeper student engagement, and promote innovative teaching practices.

Let’s take a look at what each step includes-

Image source: http://www.jaclynbstevens.com/blog/a-perspective-on-the-samr-model

Substitution level: At this level, technology acts as a direct tool substitute with no real function. For example, instead of students researching topics in books, they use the Internet to research or the teacher has students write on an interactive whiteboard instead of their notebooks. As an educator, I definitely have mastered this step. This is an everyday occurrence in my former classroom and the classrooms I work in daily. I think it is easy to implement with working at a 1:1 school, Google integration, and smart boards.

Augmentation level: Similar to Substitution, at the Augmentation level, technology acts as a direct tool substitute however here it provides functional improvements. For example, instead of paper and pencil quizzes, students interact with quizzes online via websites like Kahoot or PearDeck. I also see myself at this level. I often used Kahoot and Nearpod in my classrooms. These platforms provide an easy way of implementing technology and tracking purposes for grades and student understanding.

Modification level: At this level,” Instead of replacement or enhancement, this is an actual change to the lesson’s design and its learning outcome. The critical question here is, ‘Does the technology significantly alter the learning task?’ (Tribble). Modification allows for significant task redesign. For example, instead of presenting in front of the class, students blog about their research, and their peers can post comments and reflections. In my classroom, I have been on this level as well. A lot of classwork is done through Google Classroom. Similar to an LMS like Canvas, assignments are posted and turned in, and feedback and messages are shared. Students are also encouraged to use Padlet, Canva, and other online tools for engagement and collaboration.

Redefinition level: The level enables the creation of new tasks previously inconceivable without technology. It represents the peak of technology integration. Here, students can have virtual pen pals, go on virtual field trips, or create their own e-portfolio for tips and tricks for solving difficult math equations. Redefinition is definitely a goal. While I have done some lessons that would be considered at the Redefinition level, like the 3 mentioned above, I can't stay here the whole time. A lot of computer education is needed to do these kinds of high-level tech tasks. Sometimes you spend more time teaching the actual technology than using it.

The following websites show excellent examples of what SAMR is and how it can be used in lesson planning in the classroom: See How SAMR Works in Real Classrooms and SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for K-12 Classroom Technology Integration | PowerSchool.

Watch this video for an excellent description of the SAMR swimming pool:

video credit: www.youtube.com/@JaclynStevens

“Working across the SAMR model will support student-centered learning just as educators teach across Bloom’s taxonomy to support student’s skills and abilities. Then imagine too the myriad of educators swimming in these technology waters: some will be doing cannonballs in the deep end (Modification, Redefinition), while some would rather stay in the shallow end (Substitution and Augmentation), while even more may need special floatation supports represented by professional development, coaching support, and professional learning networks, etc. Yet even in these digital waters educators cannot tread water and sustain teaching ‘above the [SAMR] line’ as popularly suggested,” (Stevens, Erasing The Line).

I really like this quote because I am not set on one level. It depends on the day, the task, and the student. Sometimes a simple pencil and paper are the best option. No technology is needed, and that’s ok. As the above video explains, I think I do a lot of laps across the SAMR pool. I am 100% IN the water and I think I tread water mostly between Augmentations and Modification. I am very thankful for this course to help push me into the deep end. Where do you see yourself in the SAMR pool?




Sources: 

Erickson, Lynn. “See How SAMR Works in Real Classrooms.” Mimio.com, 2019, 
blog.mimio.com/see-how-samr-works-in-real-classroomsand-in-your-lessons. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Stevens, Jaclyn B. “Erasing the Line | SAMR Model.” Jaclyn B. Stevens, 2020,
www.jaclynbstevens.com/erasing-the-line--samr-model.html. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Team, Nearpod. “Practical SAMR Model Examples to Integrate Education Technology.” Nearpod Blog, Apr. 2024, nearpod.com/blog/samr/#:~:text=At%20the%20substitution%20stage%20of,pencil%20for%20a%20writing%20assignment. Accessed 2 Sept. 2024.

Terada, Youki. “A Powerful Model for Understanding Good Tech Integration.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 4 May 2020, 
www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Tribble, Damon. “SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for K-12 Classroom Technology Integration. PowerSchool, 13 Apr. 2021, https://www.powerschool.com/blog/samr-model-a-practical-guide-for-k-12-classroom-technology-integration/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.