What up with SAMR? 

SAMR is an acronym which stands for substitution, augmentation. modification, and redefinition. These words categorize the different implementations of technology within the classroom. Substitution stands for a new technology which only substitutes an old technology. For example, smart boards are a substitution for white boards meaning at the end of the day a whiteboard is still a white board.

Augmentation means doing old things in new ways. For example, the successive iPhones are simply an augmentation of the iPhone 1. 

Modification is allowing for a significant task redesign. An example of modification is a PE teacher using Youtube to teach cultural dance lessons from a foreign culture. 

Finally, redefinition is the complete redesign of a task like 3D printing. 3D printing has totally revolutionized the way people think about printing and its applications.

Understanding the difference between the levels of technology will help future educators take their lessons to the next level by being aware of what tech already exists and what could be improved upon. As future educators we need to take on the mindset of growth and of redesigning the systems of our education which are ineffective and limit student potential. We don't need to redesign the wheel, but we should be thinking about how to change our current form of education to create a more engaging and stimulating environment for students.