April Newsletter 2025

Blended Learning Department

In this issue:

Did you Know? Virtual Reality
SAMR/TPACK
How Do SAMR/TPACK Promote Joyful Learning?
Monthly checklist: Try something new!

Monthly Digital Citizenship Focus
BL Resources
SAMR Challenge: Chance to win!

Did You Know?

Virtual Reality (VR) aligns closely with the SAMR model. At the Substitution level, VR can replace traditional methods, such as using virtual environments instead of physical field trips. At the highest level, Redefinition, VR enables entirely new learning experiences, such as exploring distant planets or historical events firsthand, something previously impossible. VR opens doors for deeper engagement and exploration across all SAMR stages.
The Blended Learning Department has VR kits that you can check out. VR Kits run using a program called RobotLab.
- There are over 250 expeditions that can be accessed.
- To check out the VR Kits fill out the form linked here.

SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) and TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge) frameworks are a foundational piece of the Blended Learning Best Practices document, below. The various bullet points are grounded in practices that range from substitution to redefinition.

Did you know that there is a clear alignment between SAMR and Bloom's Taxonomy levels? The higher the Bloom's level, the higher your task will likely be on the SAMR levels. As you read through this newsletter, take a moment to reflect on your lessons. Do most of your assignments fall under substitution? Do your lessons incorporate the various levels of SAMR or remain at one level?

Blended Learning Best Practices.pdf

How do SAM-R and TPACK Promote Joyful Learning?

When technology is used in meaningful and purposeful ways, it can make learning more dynamic and engaging for students. Rather than reading about Ancient Greece in a textbook, we can redefine the learning experience by putting on a VR headset, allowing students to break out of the classroom walls and feel immersed in that culture.

SAMR and TPACK models turn education into an interactive and innovative experience by fostering curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in our students. Think about how much more learning is elevated when students using Google Earth can visit a location in Spain and walk down a street in Madrid, rather than simply labeling it on a map.

Best Practices: TPACK and SAMR

The article "SAMR: A Powerful Model for Understanding Good Tech Integration" states:

Good technology integration isn’t about using the fanciest tool, it’s about being aware of the range of options and picking the right strategy—or strategies—for the lesson at hand.

Here are a few things to consider as you look at when planning lessons in your classroom to ensure students take ownership for their own learning.

SAMR Introduction (Approved for use by Canvas Certified Educator)
TPACK and the Technology Integration Matrix
SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for K-12 Classroom Technology Integration
Three Examples of Incorporating Technology into the Classroom Using the SAMR Model.
TPACK Framework Explained with Classroom Examples

Monthly Checklist

Consider...

Reflecting on a lesson plan to see what SAMR level/s you are hitting with the task/s you assign, using THIS planning tool. How could adjust that same lesson to reach higher or more varied levels of SAMR? (Approved for use by Canvas Certified Educator)

Using THIS checklist to see what level/s of SAMR your Canvas course is reaching. How could you make some small adjustments to reach the modification and substitution levels?

Checking out a VR kit from the blended learning department. These kits work directly with the Google Arts and Culture app.

Creating a virtual Field Trip/Tour using Google Earth

Exploring how Nearpod and SAMR work together.

Monthly Digital Citizenship Lessons

April Digital Citizenship Theme: We care about everyone's privacy.

This topic introduces students to the concept of online privacy and the potential implications of sharing private information with a range of people: friends, the public, app providers, and more. Sharing information about yourself can be a natural and healthy activity, and it can lead to positive connections and personal growth. However, it can also present safety risks, and students need to be aware of potentially harmful consequences such as identity theft and financial exploitation. Read more about this topic on the Common Sense Education website.

Resources

BL Resource Website: Visit our website for all things blended learning. Locate your blended learning specialist, find out about our virtual course offerings, tutorials, and other resources.

District-Provided Tools Database: Want to know what digital resources we have for you? Check out the district's Air Table. You can filter to find the information you need.

Best Practices Document: Learn about the four focus areas of Blended Learning and the models to make it all happen.

Digital Learning Resources Canvas Page: Need help with one of our GCS district-provided resources? Visit our digital learning resource page to find video tutorials and instructional guides on anything from Swivl to Canvas.

SAMR Challenge

Please submit a brief reflection of a lesson you have completed recently with students and how you might raise the SAMR level of one of the tasks. You can email this reflection to Jessica Lamberth (lamberj2). Once you submit your response, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a prize.
For help determining how you might raise the level of SAMR, please access the resources throughout this newsletter.

**Last Day to submit your SAMR Challenge entry is Monday, April 28th.**

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