Week 2: Technology Integration Models on the Brain
- Erica Lane
- Sep 7, 2015
- 2 min read
The technology integration model, SAMR, is a model that represents the different levels of technology that students use. The S represents substitution where you are substituting a traditional tool for a technological tool. The A means Augmentation, where the technological tool slightly changes the task you are doing. M represents Modification, which means that the technology redefined the task while the R means redesign. In the case of redesigning, the technological tool allows the opportunity for new, previously unimaginable tasks to be performed.
When talking about the technology integration model SAMR, I think that the phrase “teaching above the line”, or teaching using mainly modification or redesign, is important because it helps students learn in completely new ways, but it is not the most important thing. Teaching students using substitution or augmentation is important too, because not all new and redefining technology lends itself well to all types of learning. SAMR is a good integration model for teachers to follow because it functions on a continuum. It is good to implement different levels of technology integration with different activities based on learning goals or student abilities. It also gives teachers a lot of wiggle room because they are able to have a lot of say in how they reach each level of technology integration.
The SAMR Model is not the only technology integration model out there. I also spent some time reviewing the Florida Technology Integration model. I think that this is a good tool to provide for teachers, especially teachers who may not be as familiar or comfortable with technology. This model offers a leveled view on how much technology is incorporated into lessons as well as a leveled view at how the students use that technology. The middle squares of the model give a more detailed explanation of how the technology is used and how much of it is used at each specific row and column intersection. This describes the setting this type of work may take place in and the roles that teachers and students play in this type of work. This model is much more detailed than the SAMR model.
Like mentioned before, I think that this model could be really useful for teachers who may not be as comfortable with technology or who may be new to integrating technology into their curriculum. I say this because of the sufficient amount of detail provided at each level. This model would also be very useful, and I could see myself using it, to meet technology standards and maybe even use as sort of a checklist to make sure you are differentiating your teaching and offering many different types of learning for your wide variety of students. I feel that teachers who really like open-ended standards and like to have a little wiggle room while creating their lessons wouldn't be fond of this model because of how precise it is.
See what Professional Kathy Schrock has to say about the SAMR model on her blog.
Yorumlar