When Dr. Ruben Puentedura’s SAMR model was introduced it helped establish a need and purpose for technology in the classroom. His work and study of teaching practices and their effects on student learning, show that technology integration is a critical component for Project Based Learning (PBL) in a digital world. (Puentedura, 2016) I have been referencing the SMAR model for gauging technology integration and assessing teaching practices for about 6 years. It was not until my introduction to Expeditionary Learning that I understood the highest tier of the SAMR model, redefinition. In my experience, most educators are successful with technology integration at the lower substitution and augmentation levels because it is the most natural and teachers understand that there teaching is improved with technology at this level of SAMR. (Puentedura, 2016) The upper levels of SAMR are difficult to implement because traditional classroom instruction does not allow for students to personalize their digital tools and engagement level as their own. Traditional instruction is geared toward whole class grouping and those students performing at mid to upper skill level. PBL is a transformative model of instruction that forces students to engage with learning at a personal level. PBL uses a real world setting to learn skills normally taught in a “sit and get” environment. Because PBL uses authentic audiences and a greater depth of questioning, students are highly engaged in learning and they produce high quality work. PBL also offers students and teachers more opportunities to reflect, collaborate, and develop creativity and critical thinking skills. (Boss, S., & Krauss, J. , 2014) With SAMR, gone are the days of the spaghetti effect of continuously throwing digital tools and resources at teachers, hoping something will stick. This four tiered model allows teachers to reflect on their instruction and feel successful with technology integration at any level of implementation. Dr. Puentendura’s research shows teachers are more engaged in their work and enjoy the classroom when digital tools are used with success at the teacher's comfort level. Moving instruction to higher levels of the SAMR model are about good pedagogy and not about use or learning of a specific technology tool. SAMR and PBL blend well to provide students with authentic learning and teachers a guide for continued growth in their teaching. All the elements found in a high quality PBL project are ones that can not be achieved without the use of technology. (Gorman, 2014) Authenticity and engagement and discovery come together through the use of excellent questioning, experts, field study in a professional setting, and workable solutions to real problems students value. Redefinition of the SAMR model, empowers students to create and study those burning questions sparked by PBL. Well designed PBL combined, with the reflective teaching practices SAMR provides, allow students the freedom to choose the tools and resources that ignite a student's passion and transform learning for both the teachers and student. Puentedura, R. (n.d.). Ruben Puentedura on the Impact of the SAMR Model. Retrieved June 06, 2016, from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/ruben-puentedura-on-the-impact-of-the-samr-model Puentedura, R. (n.d.). Ruben Puentedura on Applying the SAMR Model. Retrieved June 06, 2016, from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/ruben-puentedura-on-applying-the-samr-model# Gorman, M. (2014, September 15). Essential Connections of STEM, PBL, and Tech Integration… What Would Dewey Think? [Web log post]. Retrieved June 6, 2016, from https://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2014/09/15/essential-connections-of-stem-pbl-and-tech-integration-what-would-dewey-think/ Boss, S., & Krauss, J. (2014). Reinventing project-based learning: Your field guide to real-world projects in the digital age (2nd ed.). Washington DC: International Society for Technology in Education.
Bill Dolton
6/11/2016 04:28:36 pm
Excellent review and analysis! SAMR provides an excellent framework for evaluating the impact of technology, and PBL provides an effective means of achieving transformation. Comments are closed.
|