I recently was blessed with the opportunity to attend a conference that truly changed my whole way of thinking in education. While attending the Keystones Technology Innovators Summit at Shippensburg University, I was surrounded by educators who want use technology not only as a tool, but as a way of transforming the way their students learn. We had the opportunity to hear some amazing speakers including Aaron Sams (@chemicalsams) and Randy Ziegenfuss (@ziegeran). Both these speakers and many others expressed the need to refer to the SAMR model as we move through the digital conversion in our classroom.
During this time, I was reminded that Technology has always been entering the classroom. from the introduction of chalk, to the availability of pencils, all the way to one to one ipad conversions. What we run into is forgetting to ask ourselves, what is the purpose of this technology as I use it throughout my instruction. For those of you unfamiliar with the SAMR model. take a minute to watch this video.
What you will see is how Dr. Ruben Puentedura has developed a model that allows us to check the purpose and value of using technology in the classroom. The four stages of SAMR include Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. I will spare you the reading and let you enjoy the video, it really is good, but I a going to briefly share how the four areas are different.
Substitution is simply replacing a tool (pencil and paper for a word document.) Augmentation allows you to change the product using technology (Fonts, boldface, size of paper.) These two steps only enhance the learning experience. This is obviously still a step in the right direction. But our call to action as educators is to transform the learning of our students. This can be achieved by utilizing the next two tiers of SAMR. Modification gives you an opportunity to give and receive feedback and alter your product using a variety of tech tools. Finally, Redefinition allows you to take a product to the next level by creating an entirely new product, rather it be a multimedia presentation or a interactive video.
So, the question to address here is how can I connect PBL and technology through the SAMR model. First, I think it's important to realize that PBL provides students with the opportunity to guide their own learning. This is vital because students are going to be working on and designing a product that they are personally invested in. Where technology comes into play here is being able to provide students with a large suitcase of tech tools that will allow them to plan, produce and present their product to their teachers, peers, parents, and the rest of the world. PBL provides a call to action, it gives a purpose for learning, the tech tools that you give your students provide them with the weapons they need to fight the fight. SAMR is really the training they need for the battle. How prepared do you want your students to be. By simply substituting or Augmenting assignments, you are not pushing your students to the next level. Now, please don't misunderstand. I do believe that this can and should be part of the proccess. IT could be a step in the direction of the final product, but it should not be the end all be all. By moving forward on the SAMR model you provide opportunities to Modify and redefine what the students are presenting. This is great because it really is full of opportunities. No longer to students need to be pigeon holed into a slightly enhanced learning opportunity, their options for production and presentation are only limited to the tech tools you provide access to.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/introduction-to-the-samr-model#
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