SAMR: A Model for Thinking about Technology Integration

The SAMR Model was developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura to help educators evaluate how technology can be integrated into their teaching. SAMR is an acronym that stands for “Substitution”, “Augmentation”, “Modification” and “Redefinition” and defines levels that differentiate the change in learning outcomes that can be achieved due to technology integration (see definitions in Figure 1 below). At the Substitution and Augmentation levels, technology is found to be an enhancement to the teaching and learning activities and there are times when this is all that is needed, for example, writing an essay using a word processing tool vs. writing with pen and paper. However, the greatest benefits of technology integration come when the technology enables a Modification or Redefinition of the teaching such that a transformation in learning outcomes can occur, for example, collaborative essay writing with peer assessment using Google Docs.

Figure 1. SAMR Model

Image Created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D, http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/

When thinking about your own teaching, consider the SAMR model to reflect on your design of technology integration and how you might shift your instruction so that you can move towards learning transformation where possible and relevant. If you are interested in learning more about the SAMR Model, watch this brief podcast: The SAMR Model.

For consultation on technology integration into your teaching, contact us using our iMedEd Service Request Form: http://bit.ly/iMedEdRequest.

For more from the CME-Accredited 15 Minutes of TIME podcast series: http://www.imeded.uci.edu/time/ (To receive CME credit, view the podcast from Online CME Courses.)