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.

(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.