Educational Technology

Approaches to Educational Technology are important to introduce in every classroom. Technology has given not only educators but students the opportunity to learn in a way that builds a connection to the material and a better understanding of the course content. Of the four approaches presented, I feel SAMR is ideal for any grade, age, and classroom. SMAR allows educators to see how technology is presented in their classrooms and how it is benefiting learning. Through each step, teachers must observe their current instruction and in return, they are able to integrate more technology or take a step back and reevaluate. In my opinion, having a latter where I as an educator can consistently monitor and improve my instruction is the best way to teach. This is due to the fact that I as well as my lessons will be continuously evolving in a way that works for my students.

I chose the SMAR model because as teachers we are given a variety of options for instruction, and those options are changing constantly. With SMAR educators are able to change with technology. At the start, one may not use technology in the room, but perhaps later on they integrate google documents to enhance the learning process. Each level allows you to introduce technology in your classroom as quickly or as slowly as you desire. However, it is crucial that teachers truly understand how the technology works and how they will apply it to a specific lesson. I have been in several classrooms where my teachers have new smart boards installed in their classrooms and have no idea how to use them. As a result, they become very frustrated and spend half of the class time trying to have one of the students figure it out. In order for technology to benefit the learning environment, it must be used properly. According to Susan Oxnevad “Researchers have determined that technology integration typically moves through specific levels. The higher the level of an activity the greater the educational benefit” (Oxnevad, 2013). In a pandemic, this model is specifically helpful for online learning, according to Power School “The SAMR Model can be especially powerful during remote and blended learning when integrated classroom technology makes teaching and learning a more seamless experience for educators and students” (Power School, 2021).

As educational technology continues to evolve I am more convinced of the benefits it has in the classroom. Students need to learn in an easy that connects to their environment, and realistically technology plays a part in every aspect of their lives. In my opinion, trying to withhold that is setting students up for failure when we can teach in a way they understand. However, it is important that we remember to use technology as a tool to enhance learning, not our efficiency. We can not lose sight of instruction by relying on technology to teach the students for us. It is important we are aware of the difference between using technology as a tool instead of a crutch. If we take away the magic of learning and replace it with online modules and limited class discussion students will not understand the big picture, and learning will be reduced to answering questions and starting a new lesson.

 

References

 

Oxnevad, S. (2013, July 4). Using SAMR to teach above the line. Getting Smart. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2013/07/04/using-samr-to-teach-above-the-line/

 

Power School. (2021, April). SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for K-12 Classroom Technology Integration. Power School Powering Better Futures. 

https://www.powerschool.com/resources/blog/samr-model-a-practical-guide-for-k-12-classroom-technology-integration/