A Teacher’s Guide to Using Technology with the SAMR Model

As education continues to evolve, incorporating technology into teaching is becoming important. If you’re a teacher looking to enhance both your lessons and your student’s learning, the SAMR model might be just what you need.

Created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the SAMR model is designed to help teachers make the most of technology in the classroom. It offers a clear and simple way to approach the integration of tech into teaching, showing how you can gradually improve your lessons and teaching methods step by step.

Before diving into the SAMR model, it’s important to first understand what it’s all about. Let’s take a look at it below. 

What is The SAMR Model?

The SAMR model describes four levels of using technology in education: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. These levels show how technology can change the way we teach and learn, from basic tools to more advanced and creative uses.

When teachers first move to online learning, they often start with the first two levels: substitution and augmentation. This means replacing traditional materials with digital ones—like turning worksheets into PDFs or recording lessons for students to watch later. These steps are important, especially when adapting to online teaching for the first time.

However, as teachers become more comfortable with technology, they can move into the next levels, modification and redefinition. At these stages, students start using technology in more creative and interactive ways. For example, they might create and share their work through different media or collaborate with experts who give feedback on their projects. In classrooms where technology is fully integrated, students are often involved in new and exciting ways of learning, such as participating in online discussions with peers from around the world.

While it’s easy to think of SAMR as a path to climb, it’s not about reaching the top. Instead, it’s about knowing the different ways technology can be used and choosing the right approach for each lesson. The goal is to find the best way to use tech for the specific needs of the class and make learning more engaging.

Let’s dive into what using technology looks like at each stage of the SAMR model in the next section.

Four Stages of the SAMR Model

1. Substitution

Substitution is the simplest way to use technology in teaching, where it directly replaces traditional methods without changing much about the learning process. This approach helps save time and space, as it reduces the need for tasks like using paper and pens. For example, instead of printing out tons of worksheets that fill up your storage, you can manage everything digitally with just a few clicks.

This stage is also a good way for students to get used to technology. It’s an easy way to introduce them to digital tools and skills, helping them feel comfortable before moving on to more complex ways of learning with technology.

Some examples of substitution include:

• Students typing their work instead of writing by hand.
• Using online quizzes instead of paper tests.
• Uploading a worksheet as a PDF for students to access, rather than photocopying.
• Using a digital whiteboard instead of a regular one, and saving the notes as a file.

It’s important to remember that substitution doesn’t change what students are learning or how they learn it. Before using technology, think about whether it will truly help. If it just adds extra work, sticking to traditional methods might be better.

2. Augmentation

At the augmentation stage, technology goes beyond just making things easier – it adds something extra to the learning experience. It helps students better understand difficult topics or makes lessons more interesting in ways that traditional teaching methods might not be able to.

This stage also encourages students to take more control of their learning. Instead of always depending on the teacher, they can use technology to explore and learn on their own.

For example, students can give more detailed and engaging presentations using tools like PowerPoint which include videos, images, or other media. They can also use the internet to research topics independently, without needing the teacher to provide all the information. Another example is when students use an educational program that turns learning into a game, making it more fun while allowing them to track their own progress.

Teachers might also show a video to help explain something that’s hard to explain with just words, making the concept clearer for students.

3. Modification

At the modification stage, technology helps create activities that are more engaging and interactive than what’s possible in a regular classroom. It allows students to work together in shared spaces or large groups, making teamwork and idea-sharing smoother. This approach encourages a more collaborative and lively learning environment.

Modified tasks also give students the freedom to explore creative ways of learning and presenting ideas, moving beyond paper-based assignments. Some students enjoy creating videos, while others might aim for achievements like ranking high on an online math leaderboard.

Examples of modified tasks:

• Students can record podcasts to summarise a topic. These podcasts can then be used by their classmates for revision.
• Instead of giving a typical oral presentation, students can make videos using their voice along with visuals, animations, or other creative elements.
• Technology can help make difficult concepts easier to understand. For instance, students can explore Google Earth to learn about geography and measurement in a more hands-on way.

4. Redefinition

Redefinition is the stage in the SAMR model where technology is used to create new learning experiences that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. It helps students connect their learning to real-world situations and develop valuable digital skills like collaboration, communication, and adapting to new tools. This approach makes learning more engaging and encourages students to think and grow in new ways.

Here are some examples of redefinition:

• Linking students with people worldwide to learn from their experiences.
• Sharing student work online for feedback from peers and the larger community.
• Recording students during presentations or skill practice and using the recordings for self-reflection.
• Designing tasks that combine different media, like making videos, websites, or creative print projects.

It’s important to remember that redefinition doesn’t mean just using advanced technology. It’s about using tech in a meaningful way that adds something new to the learning process, no matter how simple or complex the tool might be.

SAMR Model Benefits:

Now that we understand how the SAMR Model works, let’s explore how it can benefit students and teachers:

1. Building Important Digital Skills

Using SAMR, students can develop the digital skills they’ll need in the future. With the way technology is growing, knowing how to use it well is becoming more important. SAMR encourages students to learn and use these skills naturally as they work through their lessons.

2. Making Learning More Accessible

One of the benefits of the SAMR model is how it can help make learning materials more available to all students. Whether it’s online resources, videos, or interactive activities, SAMR allows everyone to access what they need, no matter where they are or what their learning style is.

3. Encouraging Creativity

With the SAMR model, students can explore their creativity. Technology offers a chance for them to approach problems in new ways, make projects more interesting, and share their ideas using tools they might not have used otherwise.

4. Learning at Their Own Pace

SAMR also helps students learn in a way that works best for them. By using tech tools, students can get lessons that are more personalised to their needs. They can go over things they find challenging and move forward when they’re ready, all while using resources that suit their learning style.

5. Preparing for the Future

The model helps students get ready for what’s coming next. With how quickly the world is changing, it’s important that students are comfortable using technology. SAMR makes sure that they’re gaining the right skills to tackle future challenges, both in school and beyond.

6. Making Teaching Easier

SAMR doesn’t just help students; it can also make teaching more straightforward. Teachers can use technology to simplify tasks and make lessons more effective. Whether it’s grading, organising lessons, or finding new ways to connect with students, SAMR makes it easier for everyone involved.

How Teachers Can Track Student Progress Using the SAMR Model?

Assessing students’ progress is important for understanding how well they’re learning and for planning what to teach next. When using the SAMR model, teachers can match their assessment methods with each stage of the model to make the most of technology in their teaching. Here’s how it can be done:

1. Substitution:

At this level, teachers can stick to traditional methods like quizzes or assignments but use digital tools to complete them. For example, using Google Forms instead of paper quizzes saves time and makes grading easier while keeping the task the same.

2. Augmentation:

Technology at this stage helps improve the way assessments are done. Tools like Kahoot or Extramarks can give students instant feedback, showing them what they got right or wrong right away. This lets them fix mistakes and learn as they go.

3. Modification:

Here, teachers can design assessments that focus more on group work and projects. Students might use tools like Google Docs to work together on a research paper or presentation. Discussions and peer reviews can also be part of how their progress is assessed.

4. Redefinition:

This stage lets students try tasks that weren’t possible without technology. For example, they could create a podcast or a video documentary to explain what they’ve learned. Teachers can assess how well they worked together, their creativity, and how deeply they understood the topic.

By aligning assessment with each stage of the SAMR model, teachers can make sure that both technology and learning go hand in hand.

Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to Tracking Student Progress

Closing Thoughts

The SAMR model shows how technology can transform teaching step by step, offering new ways to engage students and enhance learning. It’s not about using tech for its own sake but finding approaches that fit your classroom and goals. With the right mindset, the SAMR model can help you create meaningful learning experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can teachers use the SAMR model in their classrooms?

Teachers can use the SAMR model to plan lessons with technology in a way that builds on each step. It might start with simple changes like replacing paper tasks with digital ones and grow into creating activities that wouldn’t be possible without technology, helping students learn in more creative and interactive ways.

2. What makes the SAMR model useful for adding technology to teaching?

The SAMR model helps teachers understand how technology can be used in their classrooms. It offers four levels—Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition—giving a clear way to see how technology can change and improve lessons, making learning more engaging and meaningful.

3. What are the four stages of the SAMR model?

The SAMR model has four stages: Substitution (replacing traditional tools with digital ones), Augmentation (adding some benefits with technology), Modification (changing the design of a task), and Redefinition (creating entirely new learning tasks). Knowing these stages helps teachers plan how to use technology better.

Last Updated on January 28, 2025