SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for EdTech Integration

The SAMR Model is a framework created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura that categorizes four different degrees of classroom technology integration:

  1. Substitution: technology acts as a substitute for typical classroom activities with no real functional change to the task or student engagement.
  2. Augmentation: technology still substitutes, but with some functional change and enhances productivity
  3. Modification: technology allows for significant task redesign
  4. Redefinition: technology allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable to include competencies such as; creation, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication

This model can be likened to moving up a ladder. As you move up the ladder, you cross the threshold from enhancing learning (Substitution & Modification), to transforming learning (Modification & Redefinition), which promotes higher thinking skills such as; analysing, evaluating and creating. The SAMR framework can be a simple and effective way to assess how you are incorporating technology into your instruction.

Think:

  • What will I gain by replacing older technology with newer technology?
  • Have I added an improvement to the task process that could not be accomplished with the old technology?
  • Does this modification fundamentally depend on the new technology?
  • How is the new task uniquely made possible by the new technology?

Technology Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)

TPACK is a theory that was developed to explain the set of knowledge that teachers need in order to teach a subject, teach effectively, and use teach using technology. At the heart of the TPACK framework are the three primary forms of knowledge: Content (what teachers know), Pedagogy (how they teach), and Technology (how tech is used). Arranging these three categories into a Venn diagram helps us to see the four areas that are created in this framework.

  1. Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK): the knowledge you have in how to effectively engage students in learning concepts
  2. Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK): your understanding and philosophy for how to choose and manage technology for your students.
  3. Technological Content Knowledge (TCK): how tech is used in a subjects area for deep and lasting learning
  4. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK): refers to your knowledge of how tools in technology can enhance your teaching and support student learning more deeply and effectively.