Panes’ Outlined Report: SAMR in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning

I. Introduction

A. Definition of SAMR

SAMR, which stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition, is a framework
designed to assess the depth and impact of technology integration in educational practices. Developed
by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, SAMR categorizes the ways technology is utilized into four distinct levels,
providing educators with a structured approach to evaluate the transformative potential of digital tools
in teaching and learning.

 Substitution: At the Substitution level, technology is used as a direct substitute for traditional
tools or processes without significant changes. For instance, replacing printed worksheets with
digital versions or using word processing software instead of handwritten assignments falls
under this category.

 Augmentation: Augmentation involves using technology to enhance tasks and processes,

providing functional improvements compared to traditional methods. Examples include
incorporating multimedia elements, such as images or videos, into presentations or using
collaborative online platforms for group work, like Google Docs.

 Modification: The Modification level signifies a significant redesign of tasks through technology.
This involves more substantial changes that go beyond mere enhancement. For instance, online
assessments with immediate feedback or virtual field trips through VR technology represent
Modification in practice.

 Redefinition: The highest level in the SAMR model, Redefinition, involves the complete
transformation of tasks, creating new opportunities that were inconceivable without technology.
Examples include collaborative global projects using video conferencing or the development of
interactive simulations for complex concepts.

B. SAMR's Role in Evaluating Technology Integration in Education

SAMR plays a crucial role in guiding educators in assessing the effectiveness of technology integration
within their instructional practices. By categorizing technology use into these four levels, SAMR
encourages educators to move beyond simple substitution toward more transformative and innovative
uses of technology. This framework aids in strategic decision-making, allowing educators to select and
implement digital tools that have the potential to positively impact teaching and learning outcomes. In
essence, SAMR serves as a roadmap for educators to evaluate, plan, and elevate the integration of
technology in their educational endeavors.

II. Substitution (S)

A. Definition

- Replacing traditional tools with technology without significant change in function.

B. Examples

- Substituting printed textbooks with e-books.

- Using word processing software instead of handwritten assignments.

III. Augmentation (A)

A. Definition

- Technology enhances the task but doesn't fundamentally alter its nature.

B. Examples

- Adding multimedia elements (videos, images) to a presentation.

- Using collaborative tools for group projects, such as Google Docs.

IV. Modification (M)

A. Definition

- Significant task redesign enabled by technology.

B. Examples

- Conducting virtual field trips through VR technology.

- Implementing online assessments with immediate feedback.

V. Redefinition (R)

A. Definition

- Technology enables tasks that were previously inconceivable.

B. Examples

- Collaborative global projects using video conferencing.

- Creating interactive simulations for complex concepts.

VI. Application of SAMR in Teaching

A. Overview of SAMR's impact on instructional design.

B. Strategies for moving from Substitution to Redefinition.

- Professional development for educators.

- Encouraging creative lesson planning.

VII. Benefits and Challenges

A. Positive outcomes of SAMR implementation.

- Increased student engagement.

- Enhanced critical thinking skills.

B. Challenges and potential drawbacks.

- Technical issues and infrastructure limitations.

- Resistance to change from educators.

VIII. Case Studies

A. Real-world examples of SAMR implementation.

- Successful integration in a primary school setting.

- Challenges faced and lessons learned in a high school context.

IX. Recommendations for Future Implementation

A. Professional development opportunities.

B. Continued investment in technology infrastructure.

C. Encouraging collaboration among educators.

ADDITIONAL EXPLANATIONS:

What is the SAMR model?

The SAMR Model of Technology Integration introduced by Reuben Puentdura (2006) is a 4-level
taxonomy (often called a ladder) used to select, utilize, and evaluate technology in the PreK-12
classroom. When educators use this model during lesson planning, they can think about the role of
technology in teaching as well as how the technology will support student learning. When I use the
SAMR model during lesson planning I find increasingly complex ways to use technology that will impact
learning in the classroom.

This model was created so that all of us in education would have a shared language to use when creating
personalized learning. You can look at your lessons and lesson planning using SAMR like a roadmap,
assisting you in thinking about the role of technology in your lessons. Finally, Puentadura wanted to
create a powerful model which in turn would help students visualize complex concepts. In short, the
SAMR model is a model for successful technology integration.

Puentadura’s SAMR Model

How to implement the SAMR model within BookWidgets assignments and lessons

Below, I will show you how to use the SAMR model along with a critical eye to see where and how
lessons can be improved with just a few easy additions. Using the BookWidgets tool will allow you to
create fun, engaging activities for learners of all ages.

BookWidgets in short: With BookWidgets, teachers can create over 40 interactive exercises and auto-
graded assignments with over 30 different question types (here’s an example of a worksheet widget). All
teachers from all courses can use BookWidgets.

Teachers can easily integrate BookWidgets inside Google Classroom, MS Teams, etc. The integration
enables teachers to follow student progress in realtime when they are working on a BookWidgets
assignment. This way, teachers can quickly guide their students in the right direction when they need
help.

BookWidgets is being used by teachers all over the world for both summative and formative evaluation.
The grading dashboard allows teachers to review student work efficiently and easily give comprehensive
feedback.

The four steps in the SAMR model

S = Substitution - Enhance your lessons with technology

substitution SAMR model

It is easy to see how an educator can move a classroom activity to substitution. Merely changing a
classroom lecture from a traditional class to a video conference is an example of substitution that many
of us (or even all) can relate to with the onset of hybrid and remote learning.

Scanning documents, digitizing worksheets, posting work online, reading from an e-book or digital
textbook are also examples of substitution. But, do you know how easy it is to use BookWidgets to

create digital quizzes

gamify content using a BookWidgets games and WebQuests

build interactive worksheets;

develop engaging slide shows….and more?

Transforming a paper or printed handout that would be individually distributed to students in a brick and
mortar classroom and digitizing it is a prime example of substitution.

In these examples, BookWidgets is acting as a direct substitute with no functional change in the learning
activity - the only thing changed is the delivery method: paper worksheets become a digital activity.
Check out this math example where the paper worksheet has been substituted for a digital one.

transform paper worksheets to digital

A = Augmentation - Enhance your lessons with technology

Augmentation the SAMR model

As a teacher, you may want to take that digital worksheet and add some type of functional improvement.
BookWidgets provides these tools for educators who want to augment a lesson beyond substitution.
With over 40 templates and 35 question types, you are now able to take a digitized activity and add
enhancements like:

Insert a video into a BookWidgets activity to clarify a difficult standard or topic. Here is a fun example!

Gamify content using a BookWidgets WebQuest

Use BookWidgets reporting dashboard to provide immediate feedback. This blog post will show you how
to work more efficiently to review your students’ digital work.

View student progress while they are working in real time using BookWidgets LIVE (with Learning
Management System integration). Check out the Live Integration tool.

BookWidgets allows you to easily and quickly augment a lesson providing your students with increased
engagement. You are now moving beyond the Substitution stage and enhancing the learning process by
adding a functional improvement to a static worksheet.
Substitution and Augmentation are used to enhance student learning. Teaching and learning is already
becoming more sophisticated using augmentation. With BookWidgets, augmenting a lesson or activity is
effortless using the built in templates and question types. Take a look at this example creating an
interactive image using a BookWidgets Hotspot Activity:

The next two levels of The SAMR Model of Technology Integration focus on transforming our lessons
(remember Substitution and Augmentation are about augmenting our lessons). Your students are now
becoming active producers of content rather than passive consumers of content. You are now clearly
thinking about the role and uses of technology in supporting students and their learning.

M = Modification - Transform your lessons with technology

modification SAMR model

Students and educators are now moving toward the mastery of technology rather than merely using
technology. With modification, students are seeing the benefits of novel uses of technology.

As many schools and educators move toward using a LMS integration such as Google Classroom or
Microsoft Teams, you can now be motivated to move beyond paper into the digital world. Students are
often inspired to innovate, to think critically and to collaborate with their peers. Using backchat channels
inside the LMS provides opportunities for ALL learners to have a voice in class. At the modification stage,
you will ask students to design, create and innovate.

BookWidgets provides the tools for learner success at this stage. Check out these awesome Widgets:

Using the embed function to investigate our world with Google Map’s customized style In this example,
Google maps is used to guide students through a few challenges in London.

Creating an Image Carousel slideshow. In this example, the teacher explains the classroom rules in a fun
way, using memes.

Formulating a HotSpot Image to guide students in producing a product.

Adding a Split Whiteboard to allow students to draw and create.

You are now infusing technology into learning. Devices are being utilized for much more than screen
readers, game playing, and video watching. Students are actively producing, engaging and interacting
with teacher content. This leads us to the final stage of our model…Redefinition.

R = Redefinition - Transform your lessons with technology

redefinition of the SAMR model

We made it to the top! Redefinition is not necessarily the goal for all lessons. Moving lessons to the
redefinition stage takes effort and work. The SAMR model is not a ladder to climb and then remain at the
top. Look at your lessons and see if it makes sense to move a digital activity up the SAMR model.

By redefining a lesson, you are fundamentally changing it by using technology to create new tasks that
were previously inconceivable. At redefinition, you are able to create entirely new learning possibilities
and opportunities for students. Students are engaged, lively and excited about learning. Activities
produce a growth mindset. Failures lead to more learning. BookWidgets provides opportunities for
educators to break down the walls of their individual classrooms and collaborate around the globe.

Think outside the box and use Widgets to guide learning which may result in increased collaboration,
more creativity, and opportunities to think critically. Widgets can be used to guide students in the
creation of:

Planning podcasts, blogs, and vlogs or bigger projects

Connecting with virtual pen pals

Tackling real-world problems by investigating a Before/After Widget

Sharing Widgets collaboratively beyond the classroom

Investigating data to solve a local community issue

Using web-based research to understand points of view and bias

Lesson Tsunami Tonga

SAMR

You need to see the gamut of possibilities available to students when the BookWidgets tools are used
thoughtfully. Selecting the SAMR model and strategy that best meets the needs of the lesson at that
time is key to successfully using a digital activity. Remember, redefinition is not always the goal of every
lesson. I remind myself that creating engaging lessons is a lot like meal prep. I love making an excellent
dinner for guests, but I don’t make a 6-course meal every night….sometimes takeout is perfect!

Utilizing technology not only to enhance instruction but to also strengthen the community of a
classroom is also key. Including Bookwidgets containing audio and video helps create community
classroom connections. I encourage you to find the purpose of the lesson and create. I often ask myself
these guiding questions as I plan technology integration into my lessons.

Is technology being used merely for the sake of technology?

Is this lesson just as great without technology?

How much time will I spend infusing technology into the lesson?

Is the outcome worth the added time?

Will my students be engaged, empowered and excited?

Do I have the necessary tools?

Do my students have the necessary tools?

What will my students learn?

How will my students learn?

Is there a difference in how my students will learn?

Does this lesson or activity have a real-world connection or application?