As I read the information about the SAMR Model I began to think about how I could use these tools in the classroom to help my students become more excited about learning. I taught in a Plato Credit Recovery computer lab where all subjects are loaded on the computer . Some students find it difficult to focus on their subject matter when they have no interaction with the subject but the computer and the instructor .
Substitution level introduces students to how the computer is replacing pencils and paper. This method helps expedite functional change. With the substitution level I am able to show students how the computer can be their friend because it gives them time to get the understanding of the subject rather than taking the book home they can print it out or pull the homework up when they get home.
Augmentation level - With this level I am able to give students immediate feedback on their quiz's so they can see where they need more clarity to achieve a better understanding. This level helps students to become more engaged with not only the computer but the subject matter as well, it continues to work with them until they get the correct understanding.
Modification level - With this level I am able to see how each student is progressing and assist them with one on one tutoring to make sure they get a clear understanding of each assignment. I can create a spreadsheet that shows how much time each student has spent going over the material and how many times they did not pass the exams. This level helps me to get them back on track so they can improve their grade at home as well as in the classroom. This level helps give peer and teacher feedback and I am able to put the students in groups to monitor for significant change in the classroom.
Redefinition level - With this level I can create a website for parents, students and staff that shows all the assignments for the entire semester. I can also create a video that gives step by step instructions for students who need visual aid. This level could also be used for a question and answer session where any subject matter could be discussed to help students get one on one assistance at anytime. Students could also create video's and post them on the website that show how technology has improved their understanding of the subject matter to help other students become more engaged and motivated to learn with technology. Video's of student's working out a difficult math or chemistry formula could be a great encouragement for students to get a better understanding of how the formula works instead of just reading it on paper.
Hey Andrea, I like your post and how you express SAMR as a tool to support students in staying engaged. This is actually the first I've seen of this model, but I find it to be a good and simple guide that I can reference to help me in my thinking of how I might include technology in the curriculum. I like your mention of creating a website for parents, students and staff that shows all assignments for the semester. What I had been thinking about lately is how can teachers of the same grade levels get together and design lessons together, incorporating technology and using technology to share and stay connected; as opposed to everyone basically closing their doors and sort of alone on their little islands.
ReplyDeleteRegina that is a good idea for teachers on the same grade level to get together and share all types of skills that have proven to be successful in the classroom. Dr. Siko talked about that in the beginning of our class how teachers need to get together and share with each other.
DeleteKeep in mind that the goal should be to use technology for more than just productivity (and not to discount productivity...it's just that if that's all you use it for you cannot justify the cost). So, the model acts as a framework to see how you can 'bump up' your technology use.
ReplyDeletePoint taken however when we bump up the use of our technology in order to increase our learning techniques at the end of the day doesn't it all come back to productivity? I think it does justify the cost if we are able to teach our students to become more engaged with the subject and we do not have to spend year after year going over the same thing and our students can progress to the next level .
DeleteI'm defining productivity as efficiency (doing things faster or more streamlined). Yes, that is important, and yes, it frees up time to do more in-depth learning. However, if that's all you do, and you don't do little with that extra time gained, that is not using your productivity gains well. Further, I agree with your second statement, but that isn't really productivity (by my definition). That is the deeper thinking you attain by designing lessons that fall in the M and R categories.
DeleteHi Andrea,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea about video instructions. This would be great for a major project with a lot of steps. This way if students are falling behind or some one is a head of everyone else, they can work at their own pace.
Another way for differentiation of lessons. You can video tape a re-teach or an enrichment dependent on the student, They watch and do the work at their level. Thanks!
DeleteThe good thing about being able to video a lesson is so that students can re-visit them at home while they are doing homework or even after school if the student needs some tuitoring.
DeleteAmber I really try to allow students to use the video to work at their own pace while keeping up with the class at the same time I think this puts less pressure on students who may not be as confident as others.
DeleteThe substitution level is a great example of students learning 2 skills. The subject matter and how computers can be used in different ways. These are skills that will be so integral to development as students move forward in school. I believe computers will continue to become more and more prevalent.
ReplyDeleteSusan I agree that computers will continue to become more prevalent because we are in a technical age and everything is computer base. Children are using computers almost as soon as they start walking so they are going to have to be included in our educational system to prepare them with future technical skills.
ReplyDelete