It All Started With PowerPoint: Technology Integration and the SAMR Model

As we continue to seek ways to have technology transform our instruction, one valuable resource to consider is the SAMR Model, created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D. (visit Dr. Puentedura’s website by clicking here).

The SAMR Model looks at technology integration as a form of ENHANCEMENT or TRANSFORMATION.

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(Image by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D. http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/)

As you can see, Substitution (technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change) and Augmentation (technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement) make up the ENHANCEMENT category. Modification (technology allows for significant task redesign) and Redefinition (technology allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable) create the TRANSFORMATION category.

Take a look at this great resource. It shows concrete ways to move through the SAMR Model in everyday class tasks:

(Source: http://www.thinglink.com/scene/489428938834051074)

My guess is, considering that technology in the classroom is new to our district, that most of us are in the Substitution and Augmentation categories….and that’s okay. Our goal this year has really been all about familiarizing ourselves with the new technology so that we can make our way toward Modification and Redefinition. When I was teaching, I had my personal laptop and projector in my classroom. I started by converting my notes into PowerPoint presentations (definitely the Substitution category!). When I realized that this wasn’t really transforming my instruction, I decided to create a website so that I can post all of the PowerPoints for kids who were absent, for parents to review, and as a study resource for students (Augmentation…there was definitely functional improvement). As I became more comfortable with technology, I put my classes on Moodle and began a class blog so students can interact with one another outside of the classroom. I would have the kids respond to a question and then have them add meaningful responses to other students’ posts (Modification…this most certainly redesigned the “write a paragraph for homework” task). Eventually, I had my students creating movie trailers and collaborative wikis based on books we were reading in class. They would then post these on our Moodle page (Redefinition…these activities were only possible because of technology).

Remember, all of this started with PowerPoint! How are you using technology to transform instruction? Please share your comments below.

The Oscars and Educators: Validators of Dreams

I love watching the Oscars. There is nothing like listening to an authentically moving acceptance speech…and last night had plenty of them.

My favorite speech during last night’s Oscars was by Lupita Nyong’o, who won the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave.  At the end of her speech, Lupita said, “As I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”

As educators, we all wear many hats and because of that, it is very difficult to clearly and succinctly define what it is we do. I thought Lupita’s words captured the very essence of educators: we truly are the validators of dreams. Our kids come to us from so many different backgrounds and situations. Although they are all different, EVERY kid is a dreamer and it is our job to make sure we provide ALL kids with opportunities to see their dreams fulfilled.

Thank you to all the wonderful educators who work everyday to validate the future of our students.

Digital Learning Day 2/5/14

Welcome to the Developer Blog! Here, you can find updates and other interesting information from the Parma City School District’s Department of Professional Learning.

Digital Learning Day is on Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Digital Learning Day is about giving every child the opportunity to learn in a robust digital environment everyday, with the goal of success in college and career. This year, we have made tremendous upgrades in our technology and it is such a great experience to walk the hallways of our buildings observing teachers using technology in such innovative and creative ways.

As we continue to implement technology in our instruction, we have to ask ourselves a very significant question: Is the technology we are using transforming the way we teach or is it simply acting as a substitute for what we have done before? In my opinion, this is the toughest challenge when it comes to technology integration into instruction. Of course, based on your experience with technology, there are different starting points for everyone. During our last Professional Learning Day, numerous teachers created video tutorials about how they are integrating technology into their classrooms. From using Prezi to Flipping the Classroom, there were many fantastic examples of technology transforming instruction. Click here to view the videos on our YouTube page.

At the end of the day, integrating technology is a process. Start simple….but challenge yourself to add something innovative and transformative. Digital Learning Day would be a great day to start!

Visit http://www.digitallearningday.org to learn more about this event (including some amazing resources to help you continue to implement technology into your classrooms) and to take the Digital Learning Day Pledge! Feel free to post your comments below. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @ParmaPD

digital learning day graphic