Exploring the SAMR Model Tiers

 SAMR: What is it?

This week, I embarked on an exploration of the SAMR model, a transformative framework for integrating technology into education. SAMR, an acronym for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition, delineates four distinct levels of online learning enhancement. In this model, Substitution and Augmentation belong to the enhancement tier, while Modification and Redefinition constitute the transformation tier. SAMR plays a pivotal role in the integration of technology in classrooms nationwide. Even though technology can have its hiccups, the image below shows my students being VERY engaged playing with the dinosaur on Google during a school-wide Wi-Fi outage!

Image Source: Author

In this journey to understand SAMR more deeply, I encountered an enlightening YouTube video that provided a concise explanation of each SAMR tier's significance and its impact on the educational landscape. This visual representation greatly enriched my comprehension of the SAMR model.

Substitution signifies the utilization of technology as a direct replacement for a traditional activity, introducing no fundamental changes to the task at hand. Augmentation takes technology a step further by retaining its substitute role but enhancing the activity's functionality, inherently improving the learning experience. Substitution and Augmentation are aimed at elevating and enriching students' educational endeavors.

Modification empowers technology to wholly transform a task or activity, opening up new possibilities for engagement and learning. Redefinition takes technology's potential even further, reshaping tasks and activities into forms previously inconceivable without technological intervention. Modification and Redefinition are geared towards fundamentally transforming students' learning experiences and fostering innovation in education. The image below gives a great visual representation of how each aspect connects to a cup of coffee you might order!

Image Source: Jonathan Brubaker in his blog post here.

Where I Believe I Am

I often use technology in my classrooms, through Google Classroom, YouTube videos, Kahoots, online tests ect. Thinking about my first year in the classroom, I realize that I spend most of my time within the augmentation level of the SAMR model. I used it to assist me, in very basic and easy to digest ways that did not excessively impact my planning period timing. Thankfully, I believe that I am beginning to slide into the Modification level.

Moving into Modification, it is all about looking at how I can take a task and redesign it to fit closely into what technology is capable of doing. This journey began by first modeling how a crime scene can be investigated virtually. I asked the question: How could I make the study of crime scenes more immersive and interactive for my high school students? Traditional methods of teaching, like textbooks and discussions, weren't achieving the desired engagement and depth of understanding. In a bid to enhance learning, I introduced my students to the concept of virtual crime scene exploration, embracing the Modification level of the SAMR model. Here's how it unfolded: 

1. Choosing an Interactive Virtual Platform:

My first step was to select a robust virtual crime scene platform that could provide an authentic, immersive experience. After careful research, I settled on a web-based application that simulated crime scenes realistically.

2. Capturing Student Interest:

I introduced this innovative approach to my students, highlighting the benefits it offered. Their excitement and curiosity were palpable as they prepared to dive into this novel learning adventure.

3. The Virtual Crime Scene Experience:

The heart of this modification lay in the virtual crime scene simulations. Students immersed themselves in lifelike scenarios, virtually collecting evidence, taking measurements, and drawing conclusions. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they navigated these digital crime scenes.

4. Active Participation and Collaborative Learning:

This modification fostered active participation and collaborative learning. Students worked in teams to scrutinize the crime scenes, shared observations, and collectively pieced together the puzzle. The virtual platform became a hub for real-time collaboration, nurturing essential teamwork skills.

5. A Deeper Grasp of Forensic Concepts:

Through this SAMR-inspired modification, students developed a profound understanding of forensic science. They applied their knowledge within an authentic context, a crucial element for long-lasting comprehension and real-world application.

6. Assessing Enhanced Learning Outcomes:

To gauge the effectiveness of this modification, I incorporated assessments that evaluated their analytical skills, critical thinking, and the application of forensic principles. The results were remarkable, showcasing significant improvements in their grasp of forensic science concepts.

By integrating virtual crime scene exploration into my forensic science curriculum, I harnessed the power of the Modification level within the SAMR model. This transformation enabled me to seamlessly introduce real-world crime scenes into the classroom, creating an enriched learning experience that ignited a passion for forensic science among my students.

For educators seeking to elevate their teaching, this journey underscores the potential of modification. By embracing innovative methods and technology, you can revitalize your students' learning experiences.

Where I will go now:

Looking at the future, I do not know if I will be moving onto Redefinition anytime soon. Due to the lack of really great resources already, coaching athletics at our high school, and still coming to grips with truly integrating Modification into my classroom, that jump seems like a challenge for another day. As this is just my third year of teaching, I need to be honest with myself and while challenging new thoughts and trying new ideas is very important, I need to make sure my current toolshed is clean and my tools are sharpened and well kept before I head over to Home Depot to widen my arsenal. In this article, the author stated that “Collaboration is extremely important, particularly if you’re looking at learning from a social constructivist perspective.  Consider how you can use technology to facilitate collaboration.” When looking at how I utilize technology under the Modification level, I realized I need to get better at adapting collaboration within our technological explorations.