Here are some things to remember:

SAMR isn’t a ladder or checklist for making qualitative judgments about a task. It is simply a tool to help us self-assess how we are using technology to impact learning.

SAMR is subjective. One teacher may think her task exemplifies redefinition while a colleague believes it to be more in the realm of modification. That is OK! We do well to be critical and reflective of our practices and don’t always have to agree.

SAMR is not about an EdTech implementation arms race nor should it be used to intimidate or silence. Tasks do not all need to be transformed. It’s fine to have a task functioning at the substitution level; the valuable piece is to be aware and intentional about it so that you are achieving your goal for your students. We all share the aim of helping kids and using SAMR to check ourselves can better inform our efforts.