SAMR and TPACK Frameworks

What is SAMR?

Overview

The SAMR is a framework that teachers can use to evaluate the technology that is used in their classrooms. There are four different categories in the SAMR framework.

1. Substitution: In this level of the framework, technology is used as the direct tool with no change. Students use new technology to replace old technology.
2. Augmentation: Augmentation continues to use technology as the direct tool but with some added improvement. Students continue using the new technology with more functional use.
3. Modification: This level allows for the technology tool(s) to modify the assignment/task.
4. Redefinition: During this level, technology tools are being used to create unseeable new tasks. 

Image created by Jonathan Brubaker (@mia_sarx)

What is TPACK?

Overview

TPACK is the knowledge teachers use to integrate technology into their classrooms. The three main knowledge components are content, pedagogical, and technological.

1. Content Knowledge: This is considered what we teach and our understanding of the subject area we teach. This is supported by facts, concepts, and theories.
2. Pedagogical Knowledge: This is how we teach and our expert knowledge of the subject area. It includes project-based learning and instructional strategies at the students level of performance.
3. Pedagogical Content Knowledge: This is the intersection of the pedagogical and content areas. The knowledge we have of how to engage students and address different learning styles. 
4. Technological Knowledge: Technological Knowledge represents our knowledge about the tools and how to integrate the technology into our curriculum. 
5. Technological Content Knowledge: This refers to how technology is used in a subject area for a deeper level of understanding. 
6. Technological Pedagogical Knowledge: This is the understanding of how to choose and manage technology for our students. It helps teachers understand how to use collaboration tools so students can share their learning with one another.
7. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: This center area refers to our understanding of how tools can enhance our teaching and support our students. 

Reproduced by permission of the publisher, © 2012 by tpack.org

Model and Strategies for Okoboji Schools

The model that I feel best supports Okoboji is the TPACK model because it shows us the relationship between content, pedagogy, and technology. This model seems to really reflect our school. Currently, our teachers are already familiar with teaching in their content areas, and their instruction is supported by facts, concepts, and theories at a deep level of understanding. Pedagogical knowledge is supported in our classrooms through instruction with project-based learning and using instructional strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners in our classrooms. Technology continues to be at the forefront of our instruction, and many of our teachers understand how to choose the right technology tools that support, enhance, and engage student learning. 

Strategies I would use to educate staff on this model would be done during professional development and team meetings. Staff would first need to understand this framework. I would show videos like the one provided above. I would also create Google Slides that the staff would have access to so they could reference it when needed. Creating and providing lesson examples would also be a strategy I would use to educate staff on how to incorporate the TPACK framework in their classrooms. Brainstorming and collaboration opportunities would be important to gain more knowledge about this framework and to hear how other teachers may already be implementing this model within their lessons. This framework will allow more teachers to be more strategic with how they use technology in their classrooms.

References

E. (2013, June 06). SAMR Model Explained for Teachers. Retrieved from https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/06/samr-model-explained-for-teachers.html

M, C. (2013, April 26). Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FagVSQlZELY&list=UUyiLyAMZj_Y8QWdlpZHAgDQ

M, C. (2013, May 30). Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=us0w823KY0g

SAMR/TPACK. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ipadbootcampforteachers.com/samrtpack.html

Kari Mueller

Special Education Teacher and Teacher Leader 

kmueller@okobojischools.org