Why do you use technology in the classroom?

It makes me proud to walk through the halls of our buildings seeing our students using devices in the classroom.  I've enjoyed seeing our students working independently, collaboratively, consuming, and creating content on their devices.  Why do you use technology? I’m not sure we ask anymore, we just do.  Studies are popping up supporting this movement.  Specifically, project RED reported that schools with a 1:1 ratio have increased graduation rates and tests scores as well as decreases in dropout rates and disciplinary action.  The data is pretty clear that our students should be using technology in the classroom, but ultimately the technology is only as effective as the teacher who is driving the instruction.

All of that being said, we still need to ask the question.  Why do you use technology?  More specifically, what is the purpose of technology use in your classroom?  This brings us to the SAMR Model.  The SAMR Model was developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura and is a framework to help teachers design technology use in the classroom.




 The SAMR Model breaks down technology into 4 key parts, is the technology…

Substitution- Technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change.

• Example: A digital worksheet.  Nothing functionally changes using the technology.

Augmentation- Technology acts as direct tool substitute, with functional improvement.

• Example: Using a Google Doc for student work.  Direct substitute for word processing, but with the ability to be paperless, auto-save, and share with collaborators/editors.

Modification- Technology allows for significant task redesign.

• Example: Using Google Slides, with embedded student created video and/or audio, links to related sites, and user commenting enabled.  Technology enhances and transforms a student presentation.

Redefinition- Technology allows for creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable.

• Example: Sharing a presentation with others outside the school walls.  Using a tool like Google Hangouts, students could present a book talk to another classroom or even the author of the book.  The technology takes a previous inconceivable task and makes it possible.

Going back to my first paragraph, I’m proud of all of the technology use I see in our district, but I want to challenge you to move past just use.  Let’s push for quality use.  Every time you plan on using technology, ask yourself why and reference the SAMR Model.  If you’re just substituting with little or no functional change, then don’t use it.  Secondly, have you modelled the functional skill you are hoping to enhance or transform with the technology?  I’ve witnessed students struggling on an online discussion board, not sure how to appropriately respond or provide feedback to a classmate.  If we don’t model or practice discussing and collaborating face to face without the technology, we can’t expect success with the technology.

Hopefully the SAMR Model helps you plan and reflect on your technology use in the classroom, transforming and/or enhancing the educational experience of your students.

Good Reads on the Topic:

SAMR Resources, Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Project RED Research Overview, Project RED

SAMR and Bloom's Taxonomy, Common Sense Graphite

Jamie Averbeck
Instructional Technology Coordinator

ASHWAUBENON SCHOOL DISTRICT
javerbeck@ashwaubenon.k12.wi.us
@AverbeckTech