SAMR Technology Integration

Learn the 4 steps in the SAMR technology integration process

Have you heard of the SAMR Technology Integration process? Have you ever wondered how to integrate technology in the classroom? I found the answers on social media. I watch social media closely and it's my job to share some of the hot topics on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other outlets that teachers, principals, students, and parents are contributing.

Looking for ways to integrate technology into your classroom? Thanks to David Geurin, I found the SAMR model for technology integration. The SAMR model follows four simple steps. The first two, substitution and augmentation, are part of the enhancement phase. In this phase, the technology used simply enhances what was already in place. The last two, modification and redefinition, are part of the transformation stage. In this stage, technology tools take on a bigger role, including creating tasks that are impossible without the tool. Here's how it works:

1.) Substitution: technology is used to substitute for something else. There is no functional change, it's simply replacing one object with another.

2.) Augmentation: technology is still acting as a direct substitute. This time, though, there is a functional improvement due to the technology tool.

3.) Modification: once you reach the modification stage, the technology tool is responsible for major changes to the task.

4.) Redefinition: the final stage. In this stage, the tool isn't simply redefining old tasks, but creating new ones that are impossible without the tool.

Have you used the SAMR model? How did it go? Have you used a different model?

Tori Pakizer is the Social Media Editor at SimpleK12.com. She writes regularly about the use of educational technology in K-12 classrooms, and specializes in how teachers use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media. You can follow Tori and SimpleK12 on Twitter @SimpleK12. If you have ideas for using social media in schools, please send your information or tip to editor@simplek12.com.