SAMR The Perfect Balance

Technology is every where and as educators we have seen an increase in the availability and use of technology as tools to enhance the teaching and learning environment for our students.  When I first started a class on technology and teaching I thought about all the ways I currently use technology in my instruction.  I find technology very useful when I am trying to substitute it in an assignment, or augment an assignment to make it easier for myself and my students.  Technology is not going away and we must find a way to embrace it and use it when necessary to the best of our abilities.  This leads me to SAMR.

To me SAMR is a perfect balance.  Somedays I just need enough technology to keep things running smoothly like a tall dark coffee, but then other days I want to make it fancy especially in the fall and spice my technology up to a pumpkin spice latte.  This is the beauty of SAMR you get to choose what best suits you and your content and fit it perfectly.  It keeps technology in education from getting so overwhelming.  I like to view the SAMR model as a continuum where you don't have to always aim to stay above the line as I have seen many articles describe it, but yet like a swimming pool where you explore and swim laps linking each portion of SAMR to your specific needs.  

https://www.thinglink.com/scene/672615962238779393

This is one of the best arguments I can make for SAMR.  It truly allows you to fit the technology to the content.  Not every assignment is going to need modification and redefinition, and that is ok.  Sometimes its ok to swim to the shallow because  treading water can be exhausting and when you begin to tire of trying to stay a float quality quickly begins to sink.  The adjustability of SAMR can be useful in any subject, and allows users to start out easy and move between the levels without becoming overwhelmed.

Enquire Learning

"Through merging enquiry with the versatility of the iPad and the range of applications this digital Swiss army knife offers learners, the doors are not only opened for redefinition, they are blown right off! A simple concept or topic can be introduced and each learner could take it in a different direction. Here's an example task - understand the principles of adaptation in animals. Having set their own enquiry questions, the learners are then set free to research, collaborate and present in any form they see fit. Rather than have all students complete an identikit worksheet or formal writing task, some choose to make iMovies, some make multimedia ebooks, some use Morfo or Puppet Pals or Explain Everything or - the list of potential applications grows daily." (http://www.ipadeducators.com/a-fresh-look-at-the-samr-model)

Isn't enquire learning really what we are striving for as educators.  Through redefinition the sky is the limit for students.  They are able to connect with peers and resources, and use technology in ways unimaginable.  It allows their creativity to shine, and puts the focus on the students strengths and how they learn best.  SAMR allows for this to happen.

Straight from the Big Dogs Mouth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6j8soDYoaw

In conclusion by letting the SAMR model guide you in diving into the ever changing world of technology educators can find ways to enhance the learning environment.  So pick up your type writer and chuck it out the window and open up the possibilities that our advancing technological world allow for.