SAMR as a Tool for Self-Reflection

Honestly, when we first started talking about SAMR in class, I was pretty confused. It seemed like there was a lot of grey area. Something that I might classify as modification, someone else was classifying as substitution. Or even more shocking, something that I might see as redefinition, someone else was looking at as simply augmentation. 

By the end of class however, I saw SAMR as a more personal and subjective tool that can be incredibly helpful in one's own self-reflection process as a teacher. 

SAMR breaks down technology use into four categories:

Substitution - Tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change

Augmentation - Tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement

Modification - Tech allows for significant task redesign

Redefinition - Tech allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable

The SAMR model is helpful for reflection because it challenges us to be aware of how we are using technology in the classroom. Are we just using it to use it? Or is the technology truly changing how we teach and expanding our students' thinking in new ways?

I want to use technology to break down the walls of my classroom and the walls in between students. Using SAMR allows me to ask myself if the technology in my classroom is redefining the way I teach or if it is just a waste of energy that is unnecessarily forcing kids to spend more time in front of screens (which I believe is the last thing students need today). 

When used correctly, technology is an unmatched tool to help students connect with people outside of the classroom and make an impact in the world. It widens their perspective and with training, can help them discern helpful and trustworthy information from dis- and mis-information. It can also be used to facilitate group work within the classroom, helping students practice social skills, listen well to others, and work effectively on a team. 

I hope that by continually asking myself where my technology fits into SAMR, I will reduce unneeded tech in my students' lives while also exploring the innovative ways that tech can transform my students' learning experiences for the better. 

(For a further breakdown and examples of SAMR in the classroom, here is a helpful 4-minute video!)