SAMR in the Library

The SAMR model was development by education researcher Dr. Ruben Puentedura to assist educators in selecting the right technology for teaching and learning. The SAMR model looks at student's tasks and assist teachers in replacing traditional material with digital learning tools to incorporate technology in their classrooms in productive ways.

The SAMR model is a framework of four levels placed in order of their transformative power: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. When using the SAMR framework teachers can look at the work students are doing and determine exactly how technology is being used in the classroom. The image below shows specific information on each level.

As a teacher librarian we can use the SAMR model to provide a guideline in how librarian technology is used to enhance student learning.

S: Substitution: In a primary library session during traditional “story time” the teacher librarian can substitute reading a book to using an online “read aloud” for students to listen and see a visual of the story.

A: Augmentation: Libraries now have online sources of information and encyclopedias have been augmented by online research and libraries have computer stations for student's to locate and select books and for inquiry exploration.

M: Modification: Students can create and information video presentation using Animoto, or iMovie in place of a standard oral presentation.

R: Redefinition: students have participated in a "Genius Hour" inquiry product and will publish what they have learned through an interactive blog to be view by peers and the broader community.

References:

Best, J. (2015, October 5). The SAMR model explained (with 15 practical examples). 3P Learning. Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://www.3plearning.com/blog/connectingsamrmodel/.

Terada, Y. (2020, May 4). A powerful model for understanding good tech integration. Edutopia. Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration.