Teaching Above the Line

Throughout the process of learning about ways to integrate technology in my future classroom, I have came across many frameworks. This week we focused on SAMR. SAMR is a framework for teachers to begin to integrate technology into their classroom. The final goal of SAMR is to have students be engaged in learning experiences that could not be accomplished without the use of technology. SAMR has four different levels, allowing teachers to begin where ever they need to. They then can challenge themselves to better their lesson by moving to different phases of SAMR. The phases go: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition.

Here is a model that helps me remember these phases and what they mean to teachers:

(http://cdno2.gettingsmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/SAMR_model.png)

• When talking about substitution, we are talking about if you have improved your lessons by replacing older technology with newer technology. For example, instead of using a dictionary, one may use google search to find the definition. 
• When talking about augmentation, we are asking ourselves if we have improved the task that could not have been accomplished with older technology. For example, if you have students use a word document instead of writing it on paper, because word document allows for spell check and copy/paste. 
• Modification is the next level. At this level we are asking ourselves if our original task is being modified and if it is depending on the new technology. For example, having student participate in a classroom discussion online. Students could have done this in the classroom, but we are extending the walls of our classroom to our homes!
• Finally, redefinition. In this phase we have to ask if the new task is uniquely made impossible without the new technology. For example, chatting withsomeone back and forth instanstaneously from a foreign country. This could not be made possible without things like chatting online or skyping. Skype allows us to see and talk to the other instantaneously and is not possible without it. 

These phases can be met by anyone! It depends on what the teacher has previously done and what the teacher plans to do tomorrow! 

Do you believe that teachers are "teaching above the line" when using SAMR?

I do believe this! I think that teachers are able to begin the use of technology at any of these levels, but the goal is to keep challenging yourself. No matter if you start at the bottom or the top, you can challenge yourself to make your lessons better. Each day, new things are being created. We have the world at our hands with technology and can use it to better our students. I do not think it is important to begin "teaching above the line," but I do think it is important to reach for the starts and be the best you can be! A new day can bring new ideas; use them! I believe future educators can challenge themselves to prepare to use technology and teach above the line. 

(http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/968413/helping-encourage-technology-in-the-classroom)

The SAMR model is a great way to engage your students. Your students know that they are doing to be challenged differently every day. I think that this is a great way for students and teachers to have something to strive for. No matter where you are on the spectrum, you can begin with SAMR. Those of you who are entering at higher levels, do not worry; you can continually challenge yourself to redefine learning!