My biggest learning from technology is learning and understanding the SAMR model. SAMR is an acronym for the four levels of technology: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition. It falls on a bottom to top spectrum of level of rigor. The bottom levels include substitution and augmentation and are in the substitution area. This area includes enhancement level activities and is a more basic level of usage with technology. The top two levels are modification and redefinition and are in the augmentation area. This transformation area is where technology is being used in new ways. Unfortunately, underserved communities use technology for skill building, remediation and substitution activities, which fall lower on the SAMR model.
Dr. Ruben Puentedura, a professor of science, created this model to help with selecting, using and evaluating technology in education. I was surprised that I had never seen or heard of this acronym before, since this model has been in existence since the 1980’s. The SAMR Model would be beneficial for all teachers to evaluate and determine where their instructional use of technology falls on the SAMR model.
McLeod also encouraged teachers to do an audit of their teaching, which I connected to the SAMR Model and how to evaluate instructional choices. He suggested teachers do audits for self reflection and improve teaching practices. By performing a learning audit, teachers can examine if they are instructing at a higher level of thinking. He also recommended conducting an agency audit, to check if the learning is student directed. Finally, he suggested doing an authenticity audit, to examine if the learning is relevant to the students. McLeod was referring to instruction specifically, but this audit can be used to audit the use of technology through instruction, especially since technology is such a big component of classroom instruction.
I learned so much about using technology while teaching online during the COVID-19 shutdowns, but if I examine my practices and lessons now using the SAMR model, I know I would have to evaluate how I used the technology then. I am also very aware that I am behind in my learning of how to use technology to teach and to learn. I appreciated the Cult of Pedagogy podcast from Gonzales highlighting new technologies. This resource showed me there are many resources out there for me to start exploring. Gonzales’ website is a relatable and accessible resource. As a professional, I know I need to start being more familiar with social media, artificial intelligence (AI), like Chat GPT, and other new technologies, and how to use technology for creative tasks and transformational uses of technology. The most difficult part of this goal is that it’s changing so quickly, so finding a few reliable resources online is a beginning step for me to start learning new ways of learning and using technology.