Wise Integration of Technology

SAMR Model

    The SAMR Model from Dr. Ruben Puentedura describes 4 different methods that technology can be integrated into the classroom. These 4 methods are Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. Substitution and Augmentation are described as "enhancement", while the latter two are described as "transformation". 

    I really liked the examples used on the PowerSchool article that put the SAMR Model into context. Here I'll briefly describe each step in the model.

Substitution

    Substitution is when a traditional teaching tool is substituted out for a direct technology approach. One example of this would be swapping out a paper copy of a worksheet for an online version. 

Augmentation

    Augmentation is similar to Substitution in that traditional methods are swapped out for technology. The difference in Augmentation is that enhancements are added in to benefit the student experience. An example of this would be including links/videos in the online worksheet that link to relevant material.

Modification

    Modification is the first step where it moves away from enhancement and shifts to transformation. Modification opts instead to change the design of the lesson in order to have a fundamental difference in the learning process. An example of modification would be having students propose different ideas to a classroom online discussion forum and having them respond to each other's proposals.

Redefinition

    Redefinition is the final step in the SAMR Model. Redefinition involves completely changing the learning task in a way that would not be possible without technology. An example of this would be changing the discussion forum in the previous step to be a nation-wide forum, or possibly even world-wide. This allows students to connect to other individuals that they would not have been able to connect with were it not for technology. 

Common Misconception

    

    

    

    As you can see in the image above, the 4 steps are depicted in a "ladder" style. This can be misleading because sometimes educators can believe that you should always aim for the top rung of the ladder. However, sometimes substitution is the best method to employ in the classroom. It all depends on the type of content you're trying to teach. 

TPACK Model

Content Knowledge

    Content Knowledge is all about how well the teacher knows the actual subject matter being taught. The more familiar a teacher is with the content itself, the more successful of an instructor they will be. 

Pedagogical Knowledge

    Pedagogical Knowledge has to do with the methodology in teaching itself. This can relate to classroom management, lesson planning, or even student assessment. If a teacher in inept in these areas, they will be unable to reach the true TPACK Model.

Technology Knowledge

    Technology Knowledge deals with how a teacher is able to adapt and utilize technology in every day scenarios. This includes knowing when technology can either assist or impede with learning. 

TPACK

    These 3 prior knowledge areas combine in pairs of two to form Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), and Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK). At the intersection of these 6 areas is Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, or TPACK.

How these frameworks expand my understanding of wise technology integration

    Of these two frameworks, I found the SAMR Model to be particularly enlightening. I myself have fallen to the trap of viewing it as a "ladder" and thinking that one should always strive for Redefinition. Now that I've read the article covering the SAMR Model, I can see that sometimes Substitution is the best and most fitting method for the lesson. Whenever I'm to use technology integration in any future class projects I'll be sure to take a step back and evaluate what the most appropriate step in the SAMR Model is for the lesson I'm teaching.