SAMR Series Redefinition

Before we talk about the last step of the SAMR ladder, let's recap the previous three steps.

• Substitution - Technology is a direct substitute for what you are currently doing.  Example: Typing a paper versus handwriting a paper
• Augmentation - Technology acts as a substitute with functional improvement of the task.  Example: Using spell check on your word processor.
• Modification: Technology allows for significant task redesign.  Example:  Using Google Docs to collaborate with someone on a document.

The SAMR model should be used as a lens when reflecting on a lesson.  Look back and think about how you used the technology in the classroom and ask yourself, "Do I need to climb the ladder with my task?"

Redefinition

Redefinition in the SAMR model is the top wrung to the SAMR ladder.  On this step, your task is completely transformational.  If you were to take the example of writing the paper through the SAMR model, it may look like this.

S - Type a paper versus write it

A - Use the word processor and formatting features of the word processor

M - Using Google Docs to collaborate with others on the same paper

R - Create a short film about the topic from your paper

As you can see there is very little of the original task remaining.  The goal of learning about a topic is still there, but the assessment of that learning becomes different.  Also, think about how much deeper a student must understand a topic to create a short film about it.  The higher order thinking skills have increased as the task was taken up the ladder.  The opportunity for cross-curricular work has also increased.

Summary

Our next post will not be about SAMR, but about lesson planning with technology.  To summarize the SAMR model, it should be used as a tool to reflect and plan the use of technology in the classroom.  How am I using the technology?  Do I want to transform my tasks?  If so, how do I do it?