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| A caffeinated way to explain SAMR...I am not a coffee drinker, but I get it! :) |
Now that I am back online (at school, cause it still isn't working at home). I wanted to share what I learned about SAMR. After listening to some of you talk so highly of this model of technology integration, I turned my paper in that direction and I am so glad I did. It has made this task of how in the world are we going to do this with all our new technology, a little less scary! The thing I think I like the most about SAMR is that as you move through the SAMR continuum technology becomes more important in the classrooms and also is easily woven into the demands of good teaching and learning...it becomes second nature.
I also like that it states the non-use of technology is okay and will sometimes be appropriate in your classroom, this is the Substitution part.
Augmentation is when the technology is used as a tool to perform common classroom tasks, like taking quizzes, completing worksheets, or using google notes instead of pencil paper. This is the part where you are "getting your feet wet" learning how to include some of this technology without really changing much of your instruction. Teachers can receive immediate answers and give students feedback instantly. This also is a paper saver!
Modification, this is where you are crossing the line between the traditional paper/pencil, lecture classroom to the transformation to computer technology classroom. This is allowing students to be learning the same skills, just compiling and presenting the concept in different ways, ways that suit their learning style. The teacher is guiding them while they are learning hands on with technology.
Redefinition, is the step where technology allows new tasks to be completed that were previously inconceivable in the classroom. This step will not happen over night, which is why I like the SAMR model and how it gives you steps to ease into the use of technology in the classroom.
As our students become more and more digital, we need to continue to learn or, in my opinion, find a different career. If we as leaders cannot help our teachers become comfortable using technology in their classrooms, beyond showing a Youtube science video, we are failing our students and teachers. I don't think we have to be technology all the time, but getting to that modification step is key and then honestly, reaching redefinition will seem pretty easy.
I am going to have to lead the integration of new technology for my staff in the 16-17 school year. I will give them this model as a guide and offer them ample professional development. I think that is a HUGE step in implementing anything new correctly...when teachers are comfortable, students will benefit from their knowledge. When teachers are not comfortable you have technology equipment that is not being used and students who are not being challenged in the world of technology and not learning the amazing things they can do beyond paper/pencil/textbook.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI totally related to your comment about the stress of having no Internet! It is so sad but so true that young and old are reliant on this throughout the day!
I also agree that we, as educators, need to keep up with technology. We must get more comfortable and efficient as we teach our students. This part of our world will only progress and we must keep up on things and use it as we educate and prepare our students for the future.
I am excited for you to present to your faculty all that you are learning. What a great opportunity to share all of this information! I hope it goes well and work hard a getting the "buy in" for those stubborn teachers who are not sold easily!
I did want to end by saying that I am very aware of our dependency on the Internet. What I would like to plan for my family is a trip for 5-7 days where there is not Internet. It would be wonderful, challenging and...... interesting.
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I love the image of the SAMR coffee cups you used in this blog! I just recently completed the technology integration model and found that you can sometimes build from step to step, building from step to step helps when some teachers do not feel comfortable with using technology. I laughed when you mentioned showing science videos on YouTube, there are teachers in my building that think technology integration means they know how to show YouTube videos to the class. I guess I should be glad they are at least using the first step of the SAMR model?
I truly enjoyed reading your blog this week, keep up the good work!
Jen-
ReplyDeleteLove your opening-- who cannot relate to that situation. I am glad you are researching the SAMR model as I agree it gives tech integration some context. Just remember that it isn't a continuum however, the goal isn't to always be at R-- sometimes S is the right place to be, it just depends on the learning. You could also see more than one SAMR level in one lesson. So I encourage you to think of it as more cyclical in nature.
Jenn-
ReplyDeleteI also researched technology integration this week and appreciate your explanation of SAMR. I became somewhat overwhelmed at one point with how complicated integration really is. I also appreciate Dr. Mausbach's advice about also seeing this model as cyclical with perhaps overlapping levels at times. I will learn more as I do more. Thank you!
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteJenn,
You had me with the coffee references. This is the third time someone mentioned the SAMR model, I will need to do further research. I am in agreement with Pattie about how overwhelming integrating technology can be. Thanks for sharing! How exciting for you to have the opportunity to lead your staff. I will look forward to hearing your stories next year.
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteDoesn't that seem to happen when you need the internet the most?
After our discussion last week, I also decided to take my research paper in the SAMR direction. I am so glad that I did.
What a great idea to present this model to your staff as you discuss technology integration. With the graphics that are available to describe the SAMR model, it is especially easy for everyone to understand what technology integration is. The varying levels also give educators ideas in how to further integrate technology. Hopefully this model will help educators feel more comfortable with integrating technology. I hope to hear how your staff interpreted the SAMR model.
Jenn-
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! The fear with technology is that something could go wrong (like not internet connection!) and then there is nobody there to help fix it (because we all know most of us are clueless with the IT aspect!)!! As exciting as technology can be- there are definite flaws as well. It is important to understand that and to take it all in slowly, one aspect at a time.
I enjoyed your synopsis of the SAMR model. It is such a great tool because of its versatility. The pictures and diagrams that someone can find in regards to SAMR really illustrate its value. Thanks for a great real life blog with real life issues!
Jenn-
ReplyDeleteThis morning as I was trying to respond to blogs my computer shut off, decided to run updates and turn off and then freeze and make a howling noise. The students laughed about it. I sometimes cherish those frustrating moments because it reminds the kids that we, too, have technology issues to overcome. Trying to teach a lesson that requires technology becomes very interesting when you can no longer display images on the smart board or on their screens using LanSchool. Thank goodness for our iPads and Google Drive. While I know not all of them had the documents open and were following along, I know a majority did and when they had class time to begin their project, they were all able to get started.
It can be frustrating and overwhelming, but like you said, we cannot provide a disservice to our students because we are afraid of doing something new or outside our comfort zone! Technology is here to stay, and now it is just a matter of what is coming next.
I am really excited for you to get to create a plan for your school and get to implement the program effectively based on your research. I am hoping this module helps reduce any anxiety you might be having and I can't wait to see how things go when you get to begin implementation!