8 Examples of Transforming Lessons Through the SAMR Cycle - Emerging Education Technologies (2024)

8 Examples of Transforming Lessons Through the SAMR Cycle - Emerging Education Technologies (1)

Examples of Applying the SAMR Model can Help Teachers Understand and Embrace it

The SAMR Model for integrating technology into teaching, developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, has gained a good deal of exposure in recent years. “SAMR” is an acronym that stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. The SAMR model provides a technique for moving through degrees of technology adoption to find more meaningful uses of technology in teaching and move away from simply using edtech for tech's sake.

We recently discussed the SAMR model during an Academic Technology Work Group meeting at The College of Westchester. We examined the video, SAMR in 120 Seconds. One thing that really struck me is how much the example helped, so I made it a point to gather and/or create some more examples.

Following are 8 examples of the SAMR process, each taking an example of a typical classroom exercise that does not use technology and walking it through each phase of SAMR. For half of these, I searched and borrowed from examples that teachers had written about online (original sources are provided – in some cases I tweaked the example a bit). I also created examples of my own. In working through this, it became apparent to me that while Substitution and Augmentation can be relatively straightforward conceptually, there is even more room for interpretation when it comes to Modification and Redefinition.

The goal of this exercise was to help me (and readers) better understand the SAMR model, and to really see how lessons and assessments can be transformed while considering the benefits of evolving them through these stages. I find it particularly interesting to see the vast difference between the original lesson and the redefined lesson – there is often a much wider range of skills required in the latter stages, and lessons can become much more engaging and collaborative when modified or redefined.

Lesson: Writing a Short Paper

Taken from: http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/08/samr-model-explained-through-examples.html.

Original Assignment: A hand written paper.

  • Substitution: A Word Processor replaces a Pen/Pencil in a Writing Assignment.
  • Augmentation: A Word Processor and text-to-speech function are used to improve the writing process.
  • Modification: The document created using the Word Processor and text-to-speech function is shared on a blog where feedback can be received and incorporated to help improve the quality of writing.
  • Redefinition: Instead of a written assignment, students convey analytic thought using multimedia tools.

Lesson: Geography & Travel

A modification of an idea found at https://edofict.wikispaces.com/SAMR+Examples.

Original Assignment: An overview of a location consisting of hand written content supplemented with compiled cut-and-pasted magazine clippings.

  • Substitution: Use presentation software (like Powerpoint or Prezi) to construct a presentation providing information about a selected locale.
  • Augmentation: Incorporate interactive multimedia audio, video, hyperlinks in the presentation to give more depth and provide more engaging presentation.
  • Modification: Create a digital travel brochure that incorporates multimedia and student created video.
  • Redefinition: Explore the locale with Google Earth; seek out and include interviews with people who have visited the local.

Lesson: Understanding Shakespeare

Taken from: https://edofict.wikispaces.com/SAMR+Examples and modified.

Original Assignment: Read a Shakespeare play in traditional printed format.

  • Substitution: Read Shakespeare texts online.
  • Augmentation: Use online dictionaries, study guides, history sites, to supplement reading.
  • Modification: Use multimedia resources like text, audio, and video tools to jointly construct knowledge, learning, and understanding of a portion of a play, or a character, as a group project.
  • Redefinition: Answer the Question, “What did the culture of the time have on the writing of Shakespeare's plays?” by using a Concept Mapping tool and constructing a mind map demonstrating key elements through words and images.

An Assessment Exercise

Idea taken from: https://sites.google.com/a/msad60.org/technology-is-learning/samr-model and slightly modified. In this example, we take a simple form of assessment and evolve it into a collaborative group project.

Original Assignment: Take a quiz, answers handwritten in a printed form.

  • Substitution: Distribute the quiz in a Word Processor file format and have student fill in answers on a computer.
  • Augmentation: Use a Google Form to deliver and complete the quiz. There is some functional benefit here in that paper is being saved, students and teacher can receive almost immediate feedback on student level of understanding of material. This level starts to move along the teacher / student centric continuum. The impact of immediate feedback is that students may begin to become more engaged in learning.
  • Modification: As an alternative form of assessment, students could be asked to write an essay around a relevant theme. The written essay could then be narrated and captured as vocal recording.
  • Redefinition: A classroom is asked to create a documentary video answering an essential question related to important concepts. Teams of students take on different subtopics and collaborate to create one final product. Teams are expected to contact outside sources for information.


Following are some example lessons, evolved through the SAMR model, that I have tried my hand at creating.
It's easy to get caught up in worrying about how effectively an approach constitutes “modification” or “redefinition”, but that's not the point of the exercise. To my way of thinking, it's more about understanding the difference between a just replacing or augmenting a “paper” lesson with a “digital” one and actually evolving it in a beneficial way and exploring new possibilities.

Lesson: Art/Painting

Original Assignment: Drawing a picture using traditional brush, paint, paper. Of course, there is a a big difference between doing this by hand in the traditional manner and doing it digitally. Digitally is by no means better, it is just different and opens up some interesting possibilities.

  • Substitution: Use a digital drawing/painting program (like MS Paint) to draw/paint a picture.
  • Augmentation: Use a tool that allows the creation of your masterpiece to be layed back (like Educreations, for example).
  • Modification: Pull a background image to use as a canvas. You could even scan something hand drawn and use that.
  • Redefinition: Create Artwork Collaboratively using a Collaborative Online Whiteboard (like Twiddla or one of these other tools).

Lesson: Email Etiquette

Original lesson: Review printed copies of Email Etiquette concepts and guidelines.

  • Substitution: Students read an online article discussing Email Etiquette concepts and guidelines.
  • Augmentation: Student read an online article discussing Email Etiquette concepts and guidelines that includes links to examples, and offer comments online indicating their top 5 favorite tips.
  • Modification: Student watch a video discussing Email Etiquette concepts and guidelines and after reviewing the guidelines, they create a Twitter account and Tweet their top 5 tips.
  • Redefinition: Student watch the guidelines video, then assess examples of Email Etiquette violations and indicate which guidelines should be applied to correct/improve on the examples.

Lesson: Learning Fractions

Original Assignment: Show understanding of fractions on a worksheet by coloring in blocks.

  • Substitution: Use an Excel Worksheet to let students color in the blocks.
  • Augmentation: Use Google Sheets to let students color in the blocks, where the teacher can offer feedback directly on Google Sheets.
  • Modification: Use Google Sheets and direct students to online examples and supplementary learning materials for areas that they might struggle with.
  • Redefinition: Use a Fractions App instead (here are a handful of examples for iOS devices).

Lesson: Phys Ed – Learning To Hit a Baseball Well

Original Assignment: Learning how to hit a baseball by watching and listening to a Coach or Phys Ed instructor show you and then trying it yourself.

  • Substitution: The coach/teacher videos the training exercise and uses this as the lesson.
  • Augmentation: The coach/teacher videos the training exercise and provides links to other training content (videos and articles from other coaches, etc).
  • Modification: The coach/teacher videos the training exercise and “flips” the lesson, having students watch it as homework, and using class time to practice and reinforce techniques.
  • Redefinition: Students watch video examples and practice the techniques, then the coach/teacher videos them hitting balls and provides feedback about their technique.

Hopefully these example of lessons modified through the SAMR cycle help to encourage you to think about how you leverage technology to make some of your lessons more interactive, collaborative, and engaging with some of the many great technology tools available today! Here is a set of tools that may be helpful when working to evolve your lessons: 10 of the Most Engaging Uses of Instructional Technology (with Dozens of Resources and Tools).

Creative Commons license image source.

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8 Examples of Transforming Lessons Through the SAMR Cycle - Emerging Education Technologies (2024)

FAQs

How can SAMR be used in the classroom? ›

The letters “SAMR” stand for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. The SAMR model was created to share a common language across disciplines as teachers strive to personalize learning and help students visualize complex concepts.

What is an example of augmentation in SAMR? ›

What is augmentation in the SAMR model? Augmentation is when technology acts as a direct tool substitute that adds functional improvement to the activity. An example is using dictation software to write a paper.

What stage in the SAMR model where the teachers uses technology to redesign a lesson? ›

Redefinition. The most sophisticated stage of SAMR, redefinition sees you using technology to make entirely new learning opportunities possible.

Which step in the SAMR model involves using technology with no real change? ›

SUBSTITUTION – Technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change.

How does SAMR help teachers? ›

The SAMR model, a practical guide for EdTech integration, is both a planning tool and a reflection tool. It benefits teachers by providing a framework from which they can assess how they are using technology in teaching, and how technology can enhance instruction.

What is the SAMR model used for? ›

The SAMR model is used to analyze the use of technology in the classroom and its impact on student education. The model serves to help educators find ways to improve the way their students learn with the aid of technology.

What is an example of redefinition in SAMR? ›

What is redefinition in the SAMR model? In redefinition, computer technology allows for new tasks that were previously inconceivable. For example, a classroom is asked to create a documentary video answering an essential question related to important concepts.

What is substitution in SAMR model? ›

SAMR Model
LevelDefinition
SubstitutionComputer technology is used to perform the same task as was done before the use of computers.
AugmentationComputer Technology offers an effective tool to perform common tasks.
2 more rows

Which is an example of a game based learning platform? ›

One example of a gamified learning environment is Kahoot®, a game-based learning platform freely available on the internet.

Which stage in the SAMR model allows for you to significantly redesign a task? ›

Modification - Tech allows for significant task redesign

At this stage the technology has the opportunity to change the look and feel of what student perform.

What level in the SAMR is used when the technology allows the creation of a new concept that has not been previously conceptualized? ›

Redefinition: Defined: Technology allows for the creation of new tasks that were previously inconceivable.

How do you teach technology in the classroom? ›

How to Integrate Technology in the Classroom
  1. Power Points and Games. ...
  2. Internet Homework Assignments. ...
  3. Online grading Systems. ...
  4. Classroom Tablets. ...
  5. Listserv. ...
  6. Keeping students engaged. ...
  7. Helps students with different learning styles. ...
  8. Prepare students with life skills.

What are the levels of SAMR? ›

The acronym SAMR stands for 4 levels of technology integration: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition.

How do you say SAMR model? ›

What Is the SAMR Model? - YouTube

What is the best immediate solution if you encounter a technical problem failure in your learners side example weak Internet connection )? ›

Q. What is the best immediate solution if you encounter a technical problem/ failure in your learners' side (Example: weak internet connection)? Disconnect and stop the synchronous session for the benefit of the learners who cannot access.

Is SAMR learner centered? ›

Working across the SAMR model will support student-centered learning just as educators teach across Bloom's Taxonomy to support student's skills and abilities.

How are SAMR and Bloom's taxonomy related? ›

The two Enhancement levels of SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation) are associated with the three lower levels of Bloom (Remember, Understand, Apply), while the two Transformation levels of SAMR (Modification, Redefinition) are associated with the upper levels of Bloom (Analyze, Evaluate, Create).

How do you write an objective for a lesson plan? ›

5 Steps to Writing Clear and Measurable Learning Objectives
  1. Identify the Level of Knowledge Necessary to Achieve Your Objective. ...
  2. Select an Action Verb. ...
  3. Create Your Very Own Objective. ...
  4. Check Your Objective. ...
  5. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.
5 Jun 2022

What level of SAMR model where technology allows the creation of new tasks previously inconceivable? ›

Level 4: Redefinition-Computer technology allows for new tasks that were previously inconceivable. For example students will make a digital story to demonstrate their understanding of the topic at hand.

What is model in educational technology? ›

A Model [1] is defined as a schematic description of a system, theory, or phenomenon that accounts for its known or inferred properties and may be used for further study of its characteristics. Examples are economic model; instructional design model; or instructional systems design model.

What do you think is the main idea shared both by the SAMR model and rat model? ›

Similarly, SAMR is an acronym for substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition (Puentedura, 2003). To compare it to RAT, substitution and replacement both deal with technology use that merely substitutes or replaces previous use with no functional improvement on efficiency.

What is substitution augmentation modification redefinition SAMR model? ›

The Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition (SAMR) model, developed by Dr Ruben Puentedura, offers a method of seeing how computer technology might impact teaching and learning.

Is a model designed to help education infusion technology into teaching and learning? ›

SAMR is a model designed to help educators infuse technology into teaching and learning. Popularized by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the model supports and enables teachers to design, develop, and infuse digital learning experiences that utilize technology.

What is the significance of being aware of a theoretical framework in teaching? ›

Why is the theoretical framework important? The development of the theoretical framework helps to clarify your implicit theory in a manner that is more clearly defined. It helps you to consider other possible frameworks and to reduce biases that may sway your interpretation.

What is the learning activities of redefinition? ›

Redefinition: A classroom is asked to create a documentary video answering an essential question related to important concepts. Teams of students take on different subtopics and collaborate to create one final product. Teams are expected to contact outside sources for information.

Which applies to asynchronous learning? ›

Asynchronous learning allows you to learn on your own schedule, within a certain timeframe. You can access and complete lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials at any time during a one- or two-week period. “A big benefit to asynchronous classes is, of course, the flexibility.

What is the difference between SAMR and TPACK? ›

The SAMR model considers four levels of integration: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. The TPACK model addresses the interaction of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge and how they relate to teaching in a technology-enhanced learning environment.

What are some examples of game-based learning? ›

Examples of game-based learning include card games, video games, and board games.

What is an example of gamification in education? ›

A few examples of gamification include: Earning virtual “points” for completing tasks. Playing educational games to learn academic skills. Competing with peers on a leaderboard towards a goal.

Which two steps in the SAMR model involve transforming learning? ›

In each stage of the SAMR model, the use of educational technology (EdTech) becomes increasingly sophisticated. Substitution and augmentation strategies use EdTech to enhance learning and add value, whereas modification and redefinition stages harness EdTech to transform learning and make new things possible.

What is the significance of being aware of SAMR in preparing to become an effective teacher? ›

The SAMR model can help educators think about the role of technology in supporting learning. The SAMR model can help educators think about the role of technology in supporting learning.

Which step of the SAMR ladder is defined as technology acts as a direct substitute with functional improvement? ›

Augmentation: Technology acts as a direct substitute, with functional improvement.

Which step in the SAMR model involves using technology with no real change? ›

SUBSTITUTION – Technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change.

What are the 4 types of formative assessment? ›

  • 4 Formative Assessment. Practices that Make a. ...
  • W. H. ...
  • ACTIVATING. LEARNERS. ...
  • PRACTICE # 1: Clarifying Learning. ...
  • PRACTICE # 2: Eliciting Evidence. ...
  • PRACTICE # 3: Providing Feedback. ...
  • PRACTICE # 4: Activating Learners. ...
  • Enrich your ability to boost every student's engagement and.

Which is the best use of computers to students like you? ›

Convenience. With the use of computers, a student's life has been made very convenient. By just using this device, students can write and research their school works online and communicate with their classmates and teachers through email or other platforms for shared discussions and knowledge.

What are the 10 ways to use technology in the classroom? ›

10 ways to use technology in your classroom
  1. 1- Learning Management Systems. ...
  2. 2 – Quiz or Game Based Learning Platforms. ...
  3. 4 – QR Codes. ...
  4. 5 – Connected Classroom Forums. ...
  5. 6 – Blogging. ...
  6. 7 – Educational Apps and Games. ...
  7. 8 – File Hosting Services. ...
  8. 9 – Publishing Programs.

What technologies will you use for learning and teaching? ›

Using Technology to Enhance Teaching & Learning
  • Blackboard. SMU uses the course management system Blackboard. ...
  • Presentation Software. ...
  • Classroom Response Systems ("clickers") ...
  • Online Projects and Collaboration Tools. ...
  • Information Visualization Tools. ...
  • Flipping the Classroom. ...
  • Podcasts. ...
  • Games.

How do you integrate technology in teaching and learning? ›

How to Integrate Technology in the Classroom
  1. Power Points and Games. ...
  2. Internet Homework Assignments. ...
  3. Online grading Systems. ...
  4. Classroom Tablets. ...
  5. Listserv. ...
  6. Keeping students engaged. ...
  7. Helps students with different learning styles. ...
  8. Prepare students with life skills.

What is the SAMR model and what does it look like in school? ›

The SAMR model lays out four tiers of online learning, presented roughly in order of their sophistication and transformative power: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition.

Which is an example of a game based learning platform? ›

One example of a gamified learning environment is Kahoot®, a game-based learning platform freely available on the internet.

What level in the SAMR is used when the technology allows the creation of a new concept that has not been previously conceptualized? ›

Redefinition: Defined: Technology allows for the creation of new tasks that were previously inconceivable.

What are the 10 ways to use technology in the classroom? ›

10 ways to use technology in your classroom
  1. 1- Learning Management Systems. ...
  2. 2 – Quiz or Game Based Learning Platforms. ...
  3. 4 – QR Codes. ...
  4. 5 – Connected Classroom Forums. ...
  5. 6 – Blogging. ...
  6. 7 – Educational Apps and Games. ...
  7. 8 – File Hosting Services. ...
  8. 9 – Publishing Programs.

What are some examples of technology integration? ›

What Are Simple Ideas For Technology Integration In The Classroom?
  • 6 Technology Integration Ideas For Any Content Area & Grade Level.
  • Create Online Polls & Quizzes.
  • Interact via Video Conferencing.
  • Create Multimedia Projects.
  • Use What's In Their Pocket.
  • Watch & Create Video Content.
  • Let Them Play.

Which emerging technologies can be integrated in teaching and learning to improve performance how? ›

Schools are incorporating emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality, into the classroom. The aim is to enable more innovative and engaging teaching methods and learning experiences.

What does SAMR stand for in education? ›

The Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition Model offers a method of seeing how computer technology might impact teaching and learning. It also shows a progression that adopters of educational technology often follow as they progress through teaching and learning with technology.

Which stage in the SAMR model allows for you to significantly redesign a task? ›

Modification - Tech allows for significant task redesign

At this stage the technology has the opportunity to change the look and feel of what student perform.

What is substitution in SAMR model? ›

Substitution is just what it sounds like. It represents substituting the same activity you would do in the analog (or paper and pencil) realm in a digital realm. Instead of students filling out the answers on a paper worksheet, they are typing their answers into an online worksheet.

What are some examples of game-based learning? ›

Examples of game-based learning include card games, video games, and board games.

What is an example of gamification in education? ›

A few examples of gamification include: Earning virtual “points” for completing tasks. Playing educational games to learn academic skills. Competing with peers on a leaderboard towards a goal.

What technology can be used in teaching? ›

Electronic grade books, digital portfolios, learning games, and real-time feedback on teacher and student performance, are a few ways that technology can be utilized to power learning.

How many levels are there in the SAMR model? ›

The acronym SAMR stands for 4 levels of technology integration: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition. Let's take a closer look at each of these levels and how it affects the teaching and learning process.

What are the 4 types of formative assessment? ›

  • 4 Formative Assessment. Practices that Make a. ...
  • W. H. ...
  • ACTIVATING. LEARNERS. ...
  • PRACTICE # 1: Clarifying Learning. ...
  • PRACTICE # 2: Eliciting Evidence. ...
  • PRACTICE # 3: Providing Feedback. ...
  • PRACTICE # 4: Activating Learners. ...
  • Enrich your ability to boost every student's engagement and.

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