I understand the SAMR model as a process, both of thinking and of educating. As a teacher I hope to always be reflecting on how to better perfect this art. Utilizing this model will help me identify and adjust where I am at and where I want to be.
One of my goals as a teacher is to bring learning beyond the walls of the classroom. Technology will help me in this goal. In today's world, I believe teaching children to be global collaborators is of huge importance. It allows them to realize they are part of something greater than themselves.
I hope to integrate science with this same idea as a base, to teach students how to care for our earth and all its life. I would take students around the world to see the garbage island that floats in the sea, to watch as humans impact wildlife and habitats, to search for solutions that have been created and those yet to be created.
I would use technology to communicate with specialists (hopefully) in the field of environmental science as well as collaborate with students across the country or world. My students would be able to learn, in real time, what environmental issues their fellow global classmates are up against and the actions they are taking to create solutions.
We could take virtual field trips. For example, we could see what happens in the decomposition phases of different trash, recycle, and compost items on a molecular level. I would be able to take students places they may not be able to visit without technology (redefinition)... or a magical school bus.
My students could then find a local environmental issue at our school or in our community and brainstorm solutions on how to make a difference. I may use sites like twitter and YouTube to post my student work, ask for feedback, and challenge other students/teachers to create change in their communities as well.
This may be hard to do with kindergarten students but would be a great after school club or for students in higher grades. Also, science is a great segue for teaching other subject areas such as literacy and math.
Technology can be integrated in the classroom in simple ways and at more surface levels of the SAMR model but why waste your time and energy? Continue to grow. Challenge yourself and your students, harness your inner Frizzle, and redefine your world!
I couldn't agree with you more! I share in the same desire to extend education beyond the classroom. "Education of heart and mind" is what I think of when I think of this. If we can educate the kiddos in such a way as to spark interest in something else and make them passionate, life long learners, we will have done our jobs!
ReplyDelete