Self-Evaluation of Framework Post
Technology Frameworks
In module 2, I learned about many different types of frameworks for technology integration. This week, I choose to explore SAMR and evaluate myself using the SAMR model. SAMR stands for the levels in the model titled Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition and is developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura. With this model, educators can explore and integrate different types of technology tools with different goals in mind. For example, each level of SAMR represents a new way to think about and incorporate technology when teaching.
In this video, Dr. Ruben Puentedura's model is explained level by level with technology examples as well. The substitution level is when the new technology replaces the old technology but the task does not change. In the augmentation level, the technology is substituted for a more functional reason/purpose. The modification level is when technology can be used to redesign tasks. In the redefinition level, there is now the ability to design and create new tasks that were not available before thanks to technology.
The following image helps to visualize each level and its progression in term of effectiveness when integrating technology. Additionally, the image shows levels S and A as being more enhancements with technology while levels M and R are a transformation with the help of technology.
Image source: https://theowlteacher.com/all-about-the-samr-model/
My technology practices
In my classroom, I try really hard to find great technology for my students to use that would be categorized as a SAMR level R, redefinition. I want the technology we use in the classroom to enhance their learning and allow for new tasks to be created that were previously not. A great example of a R level technology integration is the use of the program SeeSaw. With SeeSaw, the students are able to respond to assignments with a multitude of options such as self recorded videos, audio, text, images, drawing or typing on the document. To be able to respond to teacher posts and assignments in this multitude of ways has never been done before and offers a great way for students to communicate with their teachers in a way that is most comfortable for them. There is also a feature that allows families to contact the teacher, families to contact the school, teachers to send messages to all the families or send individual messages to families or students. Additionally, it allows teachers to take students submitted work and create a digital portfolio for them with the standards we are working on in class. Overall SeeSaw is a wonderful resources that creates new tasks and opportunities for teachers, students and families that were previously inconceivable.
Aside from just SeeSaw, I do incorporate lots of videos and opportunities to use the computers during classroom center work time. On average, I spend most of my time in either the A, augmentation level or the M, modification level of the SAMR model. I would place myself here because most of the technology I can find for my students offer some functional improvement or allows for a task redesign. For example, during center work the students have one center for reading and one for math with the computers. At the reading center, the program Raz-Kids allows students to pick books in Spanish and English to listen to and read at their level. It also asks them comprehension and vocabulary questions at the end and shows how quickly the students read the book and if it was too hard or easy for them. Additionally I can group assign books to students or individually assign them books online. At the math center, students work with the program Happy Numbers which allows them to complete math questions that corresponds to Eureka math modules and standards. This program learns from the students and can place them in math levels as well a provide easier or harder questions to the students based on their responses. Both are great resources that really help the students improve their reading and math skills!
References:
Happy Numbers.
Retrieved from https://happynumbers.com/.
Raz-Kids.
Retrieved from https://www.raz-kids.com/.
SAMR in 120 Seconds [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us0w823KY0g
SeeSaw.
Retrieved from https://web.seesaw.me/.
The owl teacher. Teaching digitally: all about the SAMR model.
Retrieved from https://theowlteacher.com/all-about-the-samr-model/ .
Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I also wrote about the SAMR model. The water image you found is really cool, I hadn't seen that! Visual things like that are huge for me, and I felt like that was such an accurate and helpful way to remember some of the things I learned about the model. I also enjoyed how you shared lots of resources that you use in your classroom, and how you use them. I also placed myself in the same areas as you. However, after reading your post and others, and reflecting more, I'm realizing that some (definitely not all though) of the tasks I have my students do via technology, such as peer editing, actually are more in the transformation level than I had originally thought. Perhaps I rated myself a bit too harshly initially!
Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteI teach high school, but I always appreciate when I get to read about how teachers of younger grades use centers. I think this is a missed opportunity that I believe we could do more of at the high school level. I liked the way that you used centers and provided engagement opportunities through technology at the substitution and augmentation levels. With Covid protocols back in full effect, I have found that we use tech more than usual due to this additional need and the addition of centers could really make an impact by still providing student access to others in small groups.
Have you had any happy accidents where a lesson turns into something within the modification or redefinition stage of SAMR when you may not have intended it to? Sometimes I feel like the more I try to force something to be innovative the less I succeed. My students are most often the ones who get me to a place of transforming my practices!
This was a great post; thank you for sharing!
SeeSaw is an excellent example of not only multimodality and choice but as you mentioned provides the opportunity for students to redefine the way they respond to assignments. The beauty of the SAMR model is that NO ONE stays in "redefinition" (or the 'deep end of the pool' as visualized in your image). Teachers move in and out of different stages depending on the task at hand. Thanks for the reflection!
ReplyDeleteEmma,
ReplyDeleteI am not too familiar with the SeeSaw platform, so it was nice to learn a little bit more about its purpose and functionality for both teachers and students. I love how you are able to connect with the student's parents and them so easily. I know we use this platform in our elementary schools, but it has not made it's way over to my middle school. It is definitely something to check out.
I also appreciate how you incorporate technology into learning stations for your students. This is something that I do as well. It's so nice to hear about what others are doing so we can reflect on if what we are doing is beneficial and to get other ideas from great educators. Thanks for sharing so many great technology resources!
Sorry, that last post was from Katie McBride. It comes up as unknown when I post with my school email address for some reason.
Delete