Teachers Are Struggling in the Augmentation Phase: SAMR

Most teachers are in the Augmentation phase of SAMR. We are working with the tools we have and substituting face to face work online. SAMR opens a realm of online services and developed teaching methods to enhance both a student’s experience and their attainment. Teachers utilize technology in their lessons, bringing both training and teaching into the 21st-century classroom while keeping in mind current technological advancements. The SAMR model aims to improve students’ achievement, essentially setting them up for increased opportunities for their future.

What is Augmentation? Am I in this phase?

Augmentation is the process in which technology acts as a direct substitute for previous teaching and learning practices, such as work submission online rather than in person. Many times we see our students open the text to speech function; they are essentially utilizing technology as a substitute for writing. Augmentation offers ‘significant enhancements to student experience’ through augmenting or increasing student productivity, increasing their chances of success while simultaneously enabling their learning process to potentially become more enjoyable.

Give me an example?

Technology is Learning

An example of Augmentation, as given on Schollology Exchange (online) is that of presentations. A student in a face to face class may have had to give a presentation through reading handwritten notecards to the class, with the use of technology, however, the student can create a video show which assists in developing their arguments through Youtube. This could also allow them to include relevant links to extra information images, gifs, and interviews to enhance their explanations.

What are the benefits of this phase?

Teachers can also benefit from Augmentation; an example of this could be creating and teaching from pre-prepared PowerPoints, which allows them to include more in lessons, while at the same time enhancing students learning and engaging students along the way. This includes asking for input, connections to the content every 3 slides, and selecting students to engage in the conversation at certain points of the lesson.

Why are hyperlinks so important?

Hyperlinks are the "bookmarks" ensure that your content is multi-dimensional it lets your audience move within the page and will allow students to explore an answer on their own. Augmentation is exploring ‘interactive digital advancements’ by including in teaching the possibilities to use technological aspects such as hyperlinks and comments which essentially improves a student’s ability to acquire a deep understanding of new content. An example of this is given by Youki Terada who discusses quick checks during the lesson and quizzes to guide the discussion and clarify student misconceptions. Is very easy to apply quizzes online (Kahoot, Mentimeter, and Zoom surveys) not only provides teachers immediate access but students identify answer results quickly.

Are you ready to expedite your learning during this global pandemic?

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/cf/10/4ecf103853ec73220d22e692273b6e83.png

One of the best uses of Augmentation is happening now, according to Kathy Schrock. With the current situation and global pandemic, online resources are being used more and more by teachers. Schools across the globe have had to close, which means all teaching and learning have been done online, as well as assessments and in some cases even pivotal exams. Augmentation has allowed this to happen, and this, therefore, allows us to identify the benefits for both students and teachers. This year has been a challenge teachers are working hard every day to improve student achievement. We just need to give them a little time, training, and a chance to work through SAMR.

References

• https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration

• https://www.schoology.com/blog/samr-model-practical-guide-edtech-integration

• https://www.gettingsmart.com/2013/07/using-samr-to-teach-above-the-line/

• https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/cf/10/4ecf103853ec73220d22e692273b6e83.png

• https://sites.google.com/a/msad60.org/technology-is-learning/technology-in-the-classroom