I've recently been exploring the SAMR Model as a way to think about effective technology integration in the instructional process. This model, developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, is useful to help teachers be aware of how they and their students use technology. I think that there are benefits to all four levels in the model, and good instructional practice involves all four. However, if students never use technology in ways that are "above the line," then technology is not being used to its full potential to transform student learning. Teachers and administrators could use this model to reflect on instructional practices and set professional learning goals. See graphic below.
Is technology used by students simply a SUBSTITUTE for what has always been used, such as completing a worksheet electronically rather than on paper, or printing it out and then completing with a pencil?
Do the technology tools being used by students offer functional improvement to AUGMENT more traditional instructional strategies, such as students taking a quiz on a Google Form instead of with paper/pencil?
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Transforming Learning with Technology (over the line)
Does the technology being used by students offer a significant change to MODIFY the tasks that students are asked to do, such as writing a blog post on a given theme. Students are writing for an public and authentic audience, perhaps a classroom from another state or country, which gives each student a personal stake in their learning, which usually leads to higher quality work. This involves a functional change in the classroom
Are students using technology to learn in new ways that would not be possible if the technology was not used (REDEFINES learning)? An example of this might be for student teams to create a documentary video that answers or explores in depth important questions and concepts using primary sources. The technology supports student centered learning and student choice is embedded in the task.
