Social Studies Middle School Guide

Canyons School District

Instructional Supports Department

SAMR “Technology will not replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational.” (George Couros)

The SAMR model “supports and enables teachers to design, develop, and infuse digital learning experiences. The goal is to transform learning experiences so they result in higher levels of achievement for students” (Schrock, 2020). The SAMR model classifies digital learning experiences into four levels: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. The four levels are not necessarily intended to be viewed as a bad-to-good continuum; each level has its place in the classroom. However, the depth of engagement, knowledge (DOK), innovation, and student achievement increases with each step.

Critical Actions for Educators

● Use the SAMR model as a guide when designing the use of technology in a lesson. ● Work with your instructional coach to incorporate technology effectively in the classroom (e.g. coaching cycles, video analysis, and reflection). ● Use the SAMR model to scaffold and differentiate instruction. ● Use the SAMR model to develop tasks and

assessments for a greater range of cognitive demand.

SAMR in Action This is one example of SAMR in action, where students use technology for a research project. Substitution ● Students research a topic online and compose their essay using a word processing program. Augmentation ● Students research a topic online and compose their essay online using a word processing program in which other students can leave comments. Modification ● Students research a topic online, and post and publish their essay on an online platform for an authentic audience. Redefinition ● Students connect with experts around the world via video conferencing and share what they learned by creating or contributing to a podcast.

Canyons U Bite-Size PD: Using TPACK & SAMR to Plan, Execute, and Evaluate Technology in a Lesson