Integrating Technology

Overview

Integrating technology into the curriculum comes in many forms, but not all integration is equally meaningful. As teachers, we should strive to make technology integration transformative, that is, technology should enhance students' learning and engagement in ways simply not possible without it. The challenge becomes recognizing when integration is truly transformational, and how it will serve to benefit students.

SAMR Model

Dr. Ruben Puentedura has created a model (shown on right) that provides an easily understandable framework for gauging the levels of transformation of technology integration. This model has been dubbed the SAMR model (based on the four level names), which explains the various levels of integration.

In the SAMR model, the transformative nature of technology used is increased as you move up the levels. The levels from least transformative to most transformative are as follows:

  • Substitution - technology simply replaces an instructional task that didn't require technology

  • Augmentation - Technology replaces a non-tech application, but provides simple enhancements (spell check, thesaurus, etc.)

  • Modification - Technology allows for task to be done in a way beyond the scope of traditional methods

  • Redefinition - Technology provides new kinds of tasks inconceivable with non-tech methods

Here are some gathered examples to help clarify how this might look in a classroom.

Click here to see another good example that also explains HOW each step is an improvement over the last.

No one expects that we can operate on the redifinition level all the time, but we should strive to create transformational learning opportunities. In addition, when technology is primarily substitutional, it can be hard to justify the costs, and the added support issues in the classroom can sometimes deter from teaching and learning.

Hopefully this SAMR model offers us a framework with which we can plan and evaluate our current educational practices as we strive to provide students with the best learning experiences possible.