SAMR and TLC

The exploration of SAMR has been interesting and revealed a lot of new tools, as well as thinking about how we can use tech in our classrooms.In this class, we use TLC to describe using programs for learning, teaching, and communication. The SAMR model is looking specifically and the learning piece of TLC. As a tool to think about how tech is used to facilitate learning, SAMR distinguishes between enhancement and transformation. I appreciated the connection made to the Bloom's taxonomy model. The tech programs such as edpuzzle, blogger, animaker, prezi can all be used to help learners at different levels of interacting with material. Some of these may also be used for teaching and communication, but the emphasis is of SAMR is on learners using these tools.

The infographic below shows the overlap of Bloom's and SAMR:


The SAMR model is helpful in categorizing how I can incorporate different programs into a lesson. Just like having a learning target, helps keep my lesson on a track, picking technology should be intentional and fit with what I hope to accomplish. These programs are tools not toys (I say this to student about fidgets all the time).

The analogies for the SAMR model that I like the most are the coffee analogy, and the swimming pool. The coffee analogy better shows how the different levels reflect changes to the original. For example a cup of coffee is changed to varying degrees until it is unrecognizable at the redefinition stage as pumpkin spice. See Below:


The pool model uses the idea of depth of water to show the way tech can be integrated and makes an important point to swim laps moving through the different levels of SAMR. See below, click the image to see a video of the SAMR swimming pool:


The emphasis on flexibility, and meeting students where they are fits closely with my teaching and how I need tech to function in my classroom. 

I use technology the most in augmentation model currently. Things like presentations, formative assessment, and exit tickets are fairly easy to do. I will work to introduce tools the allow students to do more creative work and "get into the deep end" with students redefining and modifying. The biggest barrier I foresee is students not being willing to learn or embrace new tools. I have a number of students that will do the absolute minimum and don't want the new tech to be the excuse that they don't turn anything in. For this reason, I will emphasize moving slow and having a thorough introduction of the tools, and give them lots of choice in what they do

Comments

  1. Alexandra CopelandJuly 18, 2023 at 2:01 PM

    I really like the pool analogy and the transition from the shallow end to the deep end. I use the snorkeling vs scuba diving analogy with my students when it comes to thinking deep and using comprehension strategies in their reading and this feels very similar. The concept of "swimming laps" is helpful in understanding that the ultimate goal of technology integration isn't one over the other but rather a mixture of all 4 in SAMR.

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    1. CalvinJuly 19, 2023 at 3:30 PM

      Thanks Alex. I think with elementary school students as the learn to go deeper, and do the higher level thinking according to Bloom's it is important to step back and celebrate that they are stretching their minds in this way. I like how you use that analogy and I may have to borrow it.

      Delete
  2. Billy TaylorJuly 18, 2023 at 11:35 PM

    I also liked the coffee analogy. The different levels corresponded to the way the coffee changed from the original and ended up with a pumpkin spice latte. This analogy gave me greater understanding about how SAMR works and how not all technology is created equal. Some changes and aids our teaching more than others.

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    Replies
    1. CalvinJuly 19, 2023 at 3:37 PM

      Billy, I am glad you found this so relatable. Sometimes the only thing keeping me going is coffee. I wonder how well our students would get it. What would be the equivalent for a 12 year old? A ball of dough? It can be baked (substitution), can add garlic and butter to make garlic bread (augmentation), add sauce, toppings and cheese to make pizza (modification), and folded into a calzone (redefinition)

      Delete
  3. Zane SwangerJuly 19, 2023 at 1:24 PM

    I personally chose the pool analogy as it makes the most sense to me. If you jump straight into the deep end you will likely perish, however if you start at the shallow end you might just survive when you get to the deep end.

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    Replies
    1. CalvinJuly 19, 2023 at 3:38 PM

      Zane, I like the graphic language you use. "If you jump straight into the deep end you will likely perish" Why do I feel your bias is showing about some of these tools?

      Delete

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