The SAMR Model: What is it and why should we take it into account

We were asked to design a lesson plan in which the students should make a Power Point presentation to show their likes and dislikes in relation to food.

In this lesson plan, the students revise vocabulary and grammar through games and activities such as a memory game and a survey. You can have a look at the lesson plan here.

We also show them a Power Point presentation similar to the one they should make, but talking about Homer Simpson.

After presenting this lesson plan, our teacher talked about something new for us: the SAMR model proposed by Puentedura. The SAMR model is a way for teachers to evaluate how they integrate technology in their classroom. It consist of four levels:

S: Substitution. This is the most basic level in which technology acts as substitution for other resources.

A: Augmentation. Technology still acts as substitution but with some improvement.

M: Modification. The use of technology transforms the task design in a significant way.

R: Redefinition. At this point, the higher level, technology is so essential that the activity or task could not be carried out without it.

The following video explains briefly the SAMR model from the students’ point of view:

Taking all this into account, we could say that our Power Point presentation and the final task are at the Substitution level, since they could also be done with flashcards.

In order to move from enhancement to transformation (from Substitution to Redefinition), we would change both the vocabulary and the final task proposed. Instead of using the vocabulary items presented, we would focus on typically Argentinian food. As regards the final task, students will have to make a video talking about the food they like and they do not from Argentina. This video will be published in the school’s Youtube channel for everyone to see it. In this case, the final task would be inconceivable without the use of technology.

Sources:

- Puentedura, R (2009), As We May Teach: Educational Technology, From Theory Into Practice.