What is the SAMR Model?

The SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition model) is designed to help educators incorporate technology into teaching and learning. Developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the model supports and enables teachers to design, develop, and infuse digital learning experiences that utilize technology. The goal is to transform learning experiences so they result in higher levels of achievement for students. Click here for more information about applying the SAMR model and check out the diagram below for more information about how to use the model with a variety of activities and iPad apps.

Using the SAMR Model to Select Activities and Corresponding iPad Apps

Using the SAMR Model to Incorporate Technology Into Your Classroom

Think about the SAMR model as a blueprint scaffolding your technology integration into education. It is a framework through which you can assess and evaluate the technology you use in your classroom. This framework is made up of 4 levels:

Substitution

In a substitution level, teachers or students are using new technology tools to replace old ones, for example, using Google Docs to replace Microsoft Word. The task (writing) is the same, but the tools are different.

Augmentation

Although a different level, the augmentation stage takes the substitution mentality, but this time with added functionalities. If we again use the example of Google Docs, instead of only writing a document and having to manually save it and share it with others, Google Docs provides extra services like auto saving, auto syncing, and auto sharing in the cloud.

Modification

This is the level where technology is being used more effectively not to do the same task using different tools but to redesign new parts of the task and transform students' learning. An example of this is using the commenting service in Google Docs, for instance, to collaborate and share feedback on a given task task.

Redefinition

If you were to place this level in Bloom's revised taxonomy pyramid, it would probably correspond to synthesis and evaluation as being the highest order thinking skills. Redefinition means that students use technology to create imperceptibly new tasks. Redefinition with Google Docs would be taking the writing task and then creating an interactive ibook, a slideshow, or movie.

More Information

• See the attached in-depth PDF