Self- Evaluation: Frameworks for Technology Integration
Where Have I Been?
This week I found it eye-opening reading about the five different models for reflecting on technology use in the classroom.
Image Source: GIPHY
I will be honest I had never heard of any of the models before. I was also shocked to learn that most models have been around for a while. Where have I been?
My Model Choice
The model I chose to evaluate myself on was the SAMR. This model has four stages: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. Substitution is when the technology used acts as an exact replacement, not changing the original function. Augmentation is when technology used acts as the exact replacement, but improves the function. Modification is when the technology used allows for a major change of the task but in a positive way. Redefinition is when the technology used allows for the production of new tasks, that were impossible before.
I like this illustration because it does an excellent job displaying that with the SAMR model you are building in the 4 components. When you start to build a house, you are building the foundation, which is the substitution and the augmentation. Then you can build upon the first layer of your house by adding a second floor with modification and redefinition.
These four stages help a teacher be mindful of how they are using technology in the classroom. It also helps them evaluate the technology tools they are incorporating and how they are transforming classroom learning.
Thoughts - Moving Forward
After reviewing the SAMR model, I realize I spend the majority of my time on augmentation. While I integrate technology tools into my classroom, I am not allowing any redesign. I'm incorporating tools like Gimkit, Quizlet, and EdPuzzle to replace traditional pencil and paper which also add in an engagement factor. Still, these tools do not allow for much creativity from my students.
I like to think about technology now as quality vs quantity. It's not about how much technology you use. It's more about how meaningful is the technology you are using. I need to ensure that the technology I use reaches the top layer of the house- modification and redefinition. For example, instead of having my students investigate problems using their whiteboards on their computers, they could use Padlet to post their findings. Padlet is a free online virtual discussion board where students can post responses, share pictures, videos, and links. My students could also create video presentations recording themselves or their work using Movie Maker. They could upload their videos to Padlet or any discussion platform and their classmates could collaborate and comment on each other's videos.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI can really appreciate your comment of using tech in quality vs. quantity because with all of the usage of tech forcefully because of the pandemic, some teachers either used it at the minimum due to lack of knowledge or not at all besides forced zoom or Google meets. I think most teachers assimilated well to the remote setting but having frameworks like the one you mentioned would be informative and useful in how teachers can use tech in their curriculum. Your explanation was so informative!
Rhiannon
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteNice post! Your explanation of SAMR was right on. My school is currently using SAMR to gauge where we fall into the Ed Tech spectrum while they observe during walk throughs. I feel most teachers within my school are mostly at this stage in SAMR. I too find myself spending a lot of time within the augmentation stage. Our district is giving extensive PDs on how to use Ed Tech tools and purchasing school wide licenses of for us to continue to make our way up the stages of SAMR. Our district would like us to all to fall within the Transformation phase and discontinue the use of paper whenever possible.
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI was shocked too. I mean I have heard some of the teaching strategies that some of the frameworks have but I never really knew that they were different models.
Also, I really like your visual representation of the SAMR framework because it was really easy to understand. At first when reading about the SAMR framework I was confused on how exactly this looked in the classroom, but it is now all clear. I can easily evaluate myself and say I spend most of my time in substitution.
Great graphic to demonstrate how SAMR starts with some foundation levels and builds upward. I hadn't seen this one before. It is wonderful to read that you want to continue to examine how and why you use technology. Don't discount the augmentation stage- in some instances lessons are better served using some simple technology tools. That being said, keep questioning!
ReplyDelete