The SAMR Model: Helping Teachers Redefine Classroom Practice

Hello friends! I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful community of bloggers that Hilary has put together. I have so enjoyed reading all of the amazing ideas over the past couple of weeks and have found myself wondering what I would share with all of you. I guess the first thing I need to do is introduce myself.

I am Jennifer from the blog Tech with Jen. I have been an educator for the past 17 years and have taught 1st and 2nd grade for eleven and a literacy coach for four. For the past two years, I have been an instructional technology facilitator for all twelve of my district's K-5 elementary schools. My job is so much fun because I have twenty-five 1:1 iPad classrooms that I work with on a daily basis. I always say I am like grandma. I get to come into the classroom and bring a bunch of fun toys to the students and then when I have them all "wired up" I can leave them with their teacher! Many students call me the iPad Lady. Doesn't that sound like fun? Another part of my job is to provide professional development for the teachers in our district who are not 1:1 of how to integrate technology into the curriculum and in the computer labs. 

So now that you know a little bit about me and my position I thought I would explain an idea I had for writing my blog and other social media posts that involve you, the reader. First of all, my goal for all of my social media sites is to help the reader with ideas for using technology AND to provide tutorials of how to take the idea into practice. My ideas come in the form of how-to videos, products to sell, or a variety of freebies and links to other sites through Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. The great thing about technology is that I can be your technology coach from anywhere in the world. I could be your "Virtual Coach". So I thought I would provide coaching tips when writing my posts based on your questions. I created a Google form that you can fill out by clicking on the picture at the bottom of this post. It will only take a second to let me know what your needs are and how I can help you. If your district is anything like mine, I know first hand the pressures that many teachers are facing to learn 21st century skills to ready students for the CCSS.

For my first coaching tip, I thought I would help you get started on your journey of using technology in the classroom. When working with teachers and students in the use of technology it is always important to start small. I like to use the "SAMR Model" as a reference. The model was developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D. to help educators integrate technology into teaching and learning. The purpose of the model is to assist teachers in designing and developing lessons that utilize technology to transform the learning experiences for their students. It is a road map that guides the educator to the ultimate destination, which is redefining teaching and learning. Below is a graphic I created that illustrates this concept with iPad apps. Although the concept can be transferred to any type of technology. 

One thing I want to make clear is that even though I tend to write more about iPad apps, I can help you with other technology tools such as Web 2.0 or GAFE (Google Apps for Education). So please feel free to ask me anything. If I don't know the answer I will just ask my readers. Someone should be able to help you. I hope that you will take the time to fill out the Google form below and let me assist you with all of your technology needs. I look forward to helping all of you!