Being technologically transformative in the classroom
How can educators use technology on a transformative level in the classroom? This may seem like a loaded question and it is! There are many details to consider when asking yourself how to step outside of the box concerning technology and teaching. Many teachers become frustrated with the increasing complexity of technology. Nevertheless, attending professional development workshops and conferences hosted by your school board will prime you with the skills you need to succeed with tech in the class. We are fortunate to be educators in a time where we have access to unlimited resources. However we must ask ourselves, are we using it properly? Connecting my ideas to the Ontario Language Curriculum, I will address the following expectations:
Developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the SAMR model describes how technology can either be used to enhance existing traditional practices or transform these practices into something novel.
Each level of the SAMR model represents a different approach to using tech in the classroom. Substitution explains how teachers using technology as a direct substitute with no functional change to a traditional method. For example, a teacher asking students to complete a math handout on an iPad is no different than filling out that same handout on paper with a pencil.
How do we break the habit of substitution?
The answer is to tap into enhancement strategies such as modification and redefinition. The SAMR model describes redefinition as the design of novel assignments that were previously inconceivable. An example of redefinition is allowing your students to go global. This can be achieved in multiple ways, for example having students make an infographic on environmental stewardship, post this infographic on a social media platform and collaborate with students across the world. Furthermore, collaborating with a teacher overseas, so that your students can communicate via Google Hangouts to work collaboratively on a Literacy task.
This model will inspire me in the classroom to always challenge myself to reach the redefinition level when using technology in the classroom. If I am using technology on the substitution level, I have to ask myself it is even worth using technology?
- - Produce Media Texts
- - Interconnected Skills
- - Responding to and Evaluating Text
Developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the SAMR model describes how technology can either be used to enhance existing traditional practices or transform these practices into something novel.
Each level of the SAMR model represents a different approach to using tech in the classroom. Substitution explains how teachers using technology as a direct substitute with no functional change to a traditional method. For example, a teacher asking students to complete a math handout on an iPad is no different than filling out that same handout on paper with a pencil.
How do we break the habit of substitution?
The answer is to tap into enhancement strategies such as modification and redefinition. The SAMR model describes redefinition as the design of novel assignments that were previously inconceivable. An example of redefinition is allowing your students to go global. This can be achieved in multiple ways, for example having students make an infographic on environmental stewardship, post this infographic on a social media platform and collaborate with students across the world. Furthermore, collaborating with a teacher overseas, so that your students can communicate via Google Hangouts to work collaboratively on a Literacy task.
This model will inspire me in the classroom to always challenge myself to reach the redefinition level when using technology in the classroom. If I am using technology on the substitution level, I have to ask myself it is even worth using technology?
Images:
https://www.mypostcard.com/fr/designs/juste-comme-ca/hello-cartoons-comic-send-greeting-card-online-2526
https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Instructional_design/SAMR_Model/What_is_the_SAMR_Model%3F
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/?s=will+technology+replace+teachers&submit=Search
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