Framework for Technology Integration: SAMR

What is SAMR?

SAMR, also known as Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition, is a way to categorize the technology integration that is taking place in a classroom. Although some technology tools or apps could fall under more than one category depending on its use, there are major differences between the categories. The S in SAMR, Substitution, is when technology does not enhance a lesson, activity, or project in any way. Instead, the technology is just used in its place and there is no change in the outcome of the activity. A, or Augmentation, is similar to S in that there is a substitution of technology happening, but this time there is some improvement. With M, Modification, the inclusion of technology leads to a substantial improvement in the original lesson, project, or activity. R, Redefinition, is where the inclusion of technology creates and entirely new lesson, project, activity, or experience that was not possible without technology. This 120-second video does a great job of summarizing the SAMR framework.

Image Source: PowerSchool

 Depending on what teachers are looking to have their students learn or do, there might be a reason why using technology at the Substitution level might actually be better than the Redefinition level. Although this system of categorizing can be viewed as a ladder or scale, that does not mean that one level is “good” and another is “bad”. I personally believe that as long as teachers are sprinkling in technology at each of those levels, they will be helping to create 21st century thinkers and learners. 

Where do I fit in?

As a 2nd grade teacher with 1-1 iPads in the classroom, I use technology quite often. It wasn’t until learning all about SAMR, however, that I realized how much room for growth I have! Most of the technology that I integrate into my classroom and into my teaching falls under the Augmentation and Modification categories, and I spend the least amount of time in the redefinition category. Here are just some of the ways that I have been using technology and which category it falls under:

My Most Commonly Used Categories

 Augmentation:

Image Source: EPIC

EPIC: EPIC is a reading platform with thousands of books, audiobooks, videos, and “read-to-me” books at all different reading levels. The students in my classroom have access to EPIC on their iPads and use it throughout the day for independent reading time as well as to read for research. EPIC’s “read-to-me” books allow for my students at all different reading levels to participate in shared reading experiences. Their feature that allows teachers to assign books, videos, and book collections to students allows me to give all my students direct access to books on specific topics or themes related to what we are learning. 

Google Sheets: Google Sheets is a tool that I use daily as a teacher. I create my personal lesson plans digitally through Google Sheets. With the ability to link, I am able to get quick access to any of my Google Drive PDFs needed for teaching. I also frequently link videos and other resources needed each day. Google Sheets gives me the ability to completely customize my lesson plan formatting. I also use the conditional formatting options frequently to add to-do lists and other checklists into my plans. My lesson plans are stored easily year-to-year on my Google Drive so I am able to quickly access last year’s plans to reference or copy/paste from them.  

Image Source: Educators. Brainpop

Brain Pop Jr: Brain Pop Jr. is a platform that teaches many different skills in science, social studies, ELA, and math. By providing a short age-appropriate video on the subject, followed by differentiated assessments with the reward of getting stars towards a goal, it is a very engaging and motivating learning resources for my students. 

Modificaiton

Raz Kids: Raz Kids is a powerful learning tool for 2nd graders. I have the ability to assign reading levels to students, or students can take a placement quiz to get a reading level assigned to them. From there, they work on listening to books, reading books, and answering comprehension questions in order to “level up”. Students receive stars for all the books that they read and they are able to cash in those stars to customize their avatar. Raz kids also allows me to assign shared reading books for working with my small reading groups. On the teacher side, I am able to look up specific lesson plans tied to reading strategies and Common Core Standards. Those lesson plans walk me through how to teach those skills as well as provides me with the books needed to do so. I am able also able to monitor student achievement and growth through the teacher portal. Click on the image below to learn more!

Image Source: Raz Kids

Planboard: Planboard is a lesson plan tool that my team uses to collaborate. We are able to share access to our team plans and hyperlink any websites that we will use. We also have the ability to attach PDFs so that we can share files with each other as well as use them from year to year. Planboard allows us to shift lessons from day-day, copy/paste lessons, and archive units or years. 

Math Playground: My students love to use math playground to practice their skills! Math Playground gamifies math concepts so that students can practice them in a fun, exciting way. I often copy links to math games that work on our current skills and share them out through SeeSaw. 

Image Source: Math Playground

My Least Commonly Used Categories

Substitution

PowerPoint: My reading, writing, and phonics lessons have been transformed through the use of PowerPoint. Instead of projecting individual PDF’s or printed documents on the board for students to see, I have created animated PowerPoints to display information to my students.

Sora: My school library uses the app Sora for students to check out digital copies of our library books. This lets students read library books on their iPads, but unlike the other digital books my students use (EPIC & Raz Kids), Sora does not read aloud to them.

Math Manipulative Apps (Counting Money, Base 10 Blocks, Number lines, etc.): my students use different math manipulative apps instead of always having physical manipulatives with them. We do not use this as often because I believe physical manipulatives hold so many benefits, but when we do not have access to enough of those materials or time does not allow for taking them out, these digital alternatives come in handy.

Redefinition

Google Arts and Culture: I have used Google Arts and Culture (formerly Google Expeditions) to take my students on virtual field trips all over the world! We have “traveled” to the moon, the White House, and the Arctic when learning about those places in science and social studies. Google Expeditions allows me to “take” my class to places that we would never be able to go so that they can see things up close that they would otherwise never have the opportunity to see. 

Image Source: Google Arts and Culture

My goals for the future…

I would love to work on expanding my knowledge and skillset enough to integrate more technology that falls in the Redefinition category into my classroom. After reading all about Redefinition and how that category allows for the most student creativity, I know that it will benefit my second graders greatly to be given those opportunities. I am interested in collaborating with our school’s technology teacher to see about other apps and tools that she knows of to help get me started. I also have the opportunity to do some co-teaching with her in my classroom, so I would love to dip my toe in the water of a new tech resource with her support!