Do you know SAMR?

Who's SAMR, you might be asking?

SAMR isn't a person, SAMR is a model meant to help educators integrate technology into teaching and learning. Developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the SAMR model provides educators with a framework and understanding in order to plan, develop, and infuse digital learning experiences that utilize technology.

While the model is linear, it's important to remember that SAMR doesn't need to be used as a scale or a ladder. It is not necessarily true that technology used as a substitution (S) is inferior to technology used to modify (M), augment (A), or redefine (R) the learning experience. It will depend on the task at hand, the individual students, and the desired learning outcomes to determine the role technology plays in each lesson. 

The SAMR model is meant to help teachers see what the technology can do or what it is doing at a given time and implementation. However, when the intention is to modify, augment, or redefine the learning experience, the model also shows teachers how it is possible to do so through the use of technology.

I like this particular SAMR model, which illustrates the depth of thinking possible when we use technology to transform learning experiences. This image and more info about SAMR was found here: http://learnmaker.co.uk/blog/2015/04/how-the-samr-model-improves-teaching-with-ipad 

Here's another example using a newspaper as our subject. Watch how various applications of technology change the experience of "reading" the news.

Original: Newspaper is printed and purchased at a newsstand or delivered to the doorstep.


Substitution: Newspaper is now available in electronic format online.


Augmentation: In addition to being available online, there are now hyperlinks embedded in the news articles which take the reader to further information about the subjects in the news.


Modification: In addition to additional resources hyperlinked in the online news articles, audio clips and videos are embedded to accompany the news stories.


Redefinition: Events and news stories can be streamed live online. (No need to wait until the next day to read all about it!)

As you become more familiar with the SAMR model, you can use it when reflecting on your existing lessons, and when planning new ones. You will find more and more applications of technology and become more comfortable with where and when you will want to implement them most.

Please reach out to the teacher resource specialist in your building to learn more about working with the SAMR model and your own curriculum.

Some further reading about the SAMR model:

• SAMR from Kathy Schrock
• 8 Examples of Transforming Lessons with SAMR
• Introduction to SAMR Model

This post originally written for the blog, TODAY IN SCHOOL.