Teaching with Technology

Teaching with Technology

Media Source: giphy.com

When it comes to integrating technology into the classroom, sometimes change can be good.  As times change, so do our students, which means teachers have to change because classrooms have changed and... do you see where I am going here?  Sometimes that change means finding ways to incorporate new technologies into the classroom.  The idea of using new technology (or any technology beyond the basics) can be extremely terrifying and intimidating for some educators, especially if you know you are about to be schooled by the kids in your class who have been coding since Kindergarten.  No need to panic - You can do this!

Media Source: giphy.com

SAMR Model

There are many frameworks for evaluating the use of technology in education each with their own twist on similar concepts.  The SAMR model (which reminds me of these famous warriors because of the similar sounding name) is one that I particularly like because it addresses varying levels of technology integration.  The model aims to meet teachers where they are and provides opportunities for them to build on their integration as they become more comfortable with technology.  Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the creator of the SAMR model, describes the model as an evolutionary process which lends itself to  students taking ownership of their learning in the classroom as teachers move through the SAMR model. 

Media Source: Dr. Ruben R. Puentedura's Weblog

How the SAMR Model Works

The model focuses on continual reflection and re-examination of practice to make the best possible use of technology.  As the image shows, there are four levels of progression to technology integration:

1. Substitution

2. Augmentation

3. Modification

4. Redefinition 

The first two levels, substitution and augmentation, focus on enhancing the practice of educators.  At these levels, technology is not imperative to the learning, but has potential to change the functionality of the learning.  The next two levels, modification and redefinition, are what I strive to do with my teaching.  The technology utilized is engaging but also brings learning to a whole different level. 

Media Source: Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything

The SAMR model has also been tied to Bloom's Taxonomy.  Just as Bloom's model progresses into higher cognitive skills, the SAMR progresses into more complex technology integration.  The connection to and familiarity of Bloom's Taxonomy can make the use of the SAMR model a little less intimidating to those looking to begin technology integration.

Media Source: SAMR and Bloom's Taxonomy: Assembling the Puzzle

How Do I Stack Up Against the Samurai... SAMR Model?
My current position as Instructional Technology Support Teacher is not only new to me this year, but also new to our district at the elementary level.  With the word technology in my job title, one would think I would be at the Redefinition level with all of my teaching, but I am not.  It's not that I do not strive to reach that level- I'm just not there yet.

One part of my position as the Instructional Technology Support Teacher is to provide Enrichment for students who are performing above grade level in math and reading.  To do this, I am currently using the Acellus program to introduce coding to third, fourth, and fifth grade students.  This instruction is definitely a part of the Redefinition level because without the technology, it would not be possible for the students to learn how to code our Acellus robots.  With my first and second grade students, we have used zSpace to examine 3D models of spaceships and satellites to support our learning of outer space.

However, in my work with all students in grades K-5, most of my teaching is spent at the Substitution or Modification levels.  I am still learning the technologies that are available for larger groups while also developing and writing the STREAM curriculum.  In time, I am sure we will be able to spend more time on the technology aspect of STREAM.  For now, we have been focusing mostly on the engineering portion.

Looking for more on SAMR
SAMR and Bloom's Taxonomy: Assembling the puzzle
Kathy Schrok's Guide to Everything: SAMR and Bloom's
SAMR Model