What is SAMR?

    

http://www.iceberg.org/sites/default/files/uploads/oxnevad.jpg

                                                                                     

                                                                             

       A few days ago, I was able to listen to a recorded webinar presented by Susan Oxnevad  and facilitated by Nicole Zumpano. 

Susan Oxnevad is an instructional technology facilitator, edtech consultant, blogger and webinar host who is passionate about discovering and sharing innovative ways to use tech as an efficient and effective tool for learning. 

      The presentation was about (SAMR) Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition; a Model that offers a way for teachers to integrate technology in to the classroom, represented by a ladder-like graph displaying four levels of progression. 

http://thinglinktoolkit.wikispaces.com/SAMR+Ladder

      Enhancement - 

       Substitution tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change. At this level, computer technology is used to perform the same task as was done before the use of computer. There is no change in teaching or learning. An example would be to use Google docs to replace paper and ink.

       Augmentation tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement. Using the Google docs example, the task is still mentally the same but some features might be performed: spelling, copy, and auto sharing in the cloud. The students might become more engaged in learning.

      According to the Samr Model, teachers who  implement technology on one of the above levels, they are teaching "below the line" level.

Transformation 

       Modification is the step over the line between enhancing the traditional goings-on of the classroom and transforming it. Classrooms tasks are being accomplished through the use of computer technology. It involves giving students a different kind of task. For example, using multimedia and adding a video. 

       Redefinition  Technology allows for creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable and gives students a stage. Technology used in this way leads to the transformation of classroom and student workflows and the technology is used in its most effective form: creating a digital storybook to share with students across the classroom, school, or the world,  creating a professional quality video, etc.

Wikispaces - 

       Wikispaces are one of the tools mentioned by Susan. I think they are great tools that calls for collaboration, critical thinking, imagination, language, evaluating other's work, problem solving, and learning from one another, among others. 

Wikis provide three options that are unlike most composing software and

that offer interesting possiblities for learning and teaching. First, wikis a1low

people to edit someone else's work. Second, they retain previous versions that

writers can revert to. Third, they keep track of everyone's individual entries

and edits.

     

Reflection - 

Although I watched this webinar a day later, I think the presentation was clear and easy to follow, even for people who might not be familiar with technological terms. I was able to read the questions participants had and the answers and information Susan provided. Nicole was a great facilitator who made the webinar to run smooth. I would like to be able to join a live webinar so I can actively participate in the chatting. After all the information I gained, my goal is to move forward to the next step of the ladder!!!!!!!