This image defines each stage of the SAMR model:
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| Source: https://www.showbie.com/using-showbie-with-the-samr-model |
As I think about where I fall on this spectrum, I believe I would be at the modification stage. In my accounting course, we used to use an old-fashion paper workbook and pen. I eventually switched to using Microsoft Excel (Augmentation). Finally, I was able to use the functionally of Excel in order to generate immediate feedback to students. This increased in functionality of the task and, I believe, is at the modification stage. There are courses I have taught where I was able to reach the redefinition stage, for example, students advertising their businesses on social media (i.e. Twitter and Facebook). However, I have not been able to consistently stay at the redefinition stage. But, maybe one doesn't always have to live at redefinition and can fluctuate between the stages. I think it is important to think about the purpose of using technology in your lessons. Will it increase effectiveness? Will it make learning more efficient? Will it increase student engagement?
Additional Resources:
Amy, I loved that you cited Kathy Schrock's website here in your post. I also discovered her page while creating my blog for this week's assignment. The visuals on her page that related to the SAMR model were amazing!
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree when you say that, as educators, we can fluctuate between stages. I believe that for different assignments there are different needs, and if switching all of those needs to technology is not going to truly benefit the learner or effectiveness than we might only use some of the steps from SAMR and not all four. As teachers we have to be constantly rethinking or lessons and changing them as more resources become available. When technology can make our teaching stronger and enhance students engagement and learning it is a beautiful thing!
Kathy Schrock's site was one I stumbled across a few years ago, while looking for resources to use with my 6th grade class--tons of resources. I agree that we waiver from level to level, because staying at redefinition each and every time would be a difficult task to achieve. Plus, some lessons we teach fall a little bit into both modification and redefinition. Another item I see we both agree upon is using tech with a purpose, which has been my motto for a couple of years. I love the questions you added at the end! Those are great ones to ponder when designing lessons, and also fall into the--tech with a purpose, thinking. The last thing I see we both liked was the web site you included with 8 examples--> I also included that site.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I completely agree that it is very hard to stay consistent on using redefinition in the classroom. I like the creative way of using twitter/facebook for the students to use for their project! One key thing I believe that we need to work on as educators is incorporating social media into lessons. Todays students have multiple ways to access social media including twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Snapchat, and much more. Teaching the appropriate ways of using these sites is key! I think incorporating a project into these media platforms is a perfect way to teach social media etiquette and to also meet that redefinition model! Prior to about ten years ago, social media barely existed. It is something that I only got used to when high school came around (Myspace was the craze, then Facebook!). Since it was in its early stages, schools and educators did not have much way of incorporating it into curriculum, even etiquette. Thank you for sharing the example of using it for a project- it will encourage me to look further into an opportunity where I can help teachers I co-teach with possibly use social media for a project! I also like your self- asking questions for the use of technology in the classroom. The one I focus in on a lot as a special education teacher is the student engagement question. Technology can be both good and bad for student engagement. Middle schoolers know the ins and outs of technology. Often, we as educators are catching up to them! They can be sneaky with getting onto various apps and websites when we turn our backs. But, on the plus side, technology allows our students to access portals they have not had before. It also allows all students a more accessible education. I remember hearing about my students using the type writer and if they made a mistake, they had to start over! In todays world, all you have to do is hit the backspace button or autocorrect!
ReplyDeleteBobby you are correct that social media has a definite place in education! I taught a course for Dominican on using social media in the classroom and loved it!
DeleteAs stated by the comments before me you are correct, Amy. No one stays at "redefinition" all the time. Some lessons and applications don't allow for that level. The key is to continue to push yourself as an educator and to be open to try new ideas. It comes through to students when you do.
ReplyDeleteI think if you're open to tech and try to use it when it works for you and your class you're in good shape. Spending all your time trying to be at redefinition would result in spinning your wheels I think. Sometimes, you just need pencil and paper!
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteYou asked some great questions and made a good point at the end of your post:
"I think it is important to think about the purpose of using technology in your lessons. Will it increase effectiveness? Will it make learning more efficient? Will it increase student engagement?"
Purpose can never be overemphasized in any classroom. The secret is making it clear to all students. If students are more engaged, is it because they have devices in their hands or because they clearly understand the purpose of the lesson or activities and want to engage? I've seen both happen in the classroom.
As mentioned above, pencil and paper are often all that we need. Let's not forget that they are, in fact, pieces of technology. All too often do we associate technology with computers and the internet. If we remember that technology is all around us, we'll realize that humans are hitting all 4 modes of SAMR every day.