SAMR Model

SAMR Model was developed by Dr. Ruben R. Puentedura.  I learned of this model in "Ditch that Textbook" by Matt Miller

Substitution-substitute one tool for another

Augmentation-Functional improvement in the lesson based on technology

Modification-Actually changes the lesson

Redefinition-Allows for something that couldn't have happened without

If you want to learn more about SAMR, you can go to hippasus.com or ditchthattextbook.com.

The key takeaway for me from the SAMR model is that we can't do it all in using technology in the classroom.  However, we should analyze carefully when and why we use technology.  Simply substituting a computer for a pen with no other purpose may not provide any benefit.  If it takes 3 minutes to get computers from the back of the room and another 2 minutes to log in, that is a wasted 5 minutes.  However, if you are blogging or digging deeper into a subject, then that 5 minutes is a small price to pay for the benefits the students will get by using a device.  If you are modifying or redefining your instruction by using technology, then your students are gaining from the use of technology.  The big shift is between augmentation and modification.  Substitution and augmentation are both low level uses of technology that might be appropriate at times.  However, to get the greatest instructional impact, we must go to modification or redefinition.