SAMR Analogy

SAMR AnalogyA Child Learning to Walk

4

R (Redefinition)

A (Argumentation)

M (Modification)

S (Substitution)

The first step that a child goes through when learning how to walk is rolling over. Here they learn how to move their bodies in the direction that they want to. When it comes to SAMR and technology, an example with substitution would be, here children are learning what technology is and how to navigate through it. They might start by exploring different learning sites and taking it upon themselves to learn how to use them.

The second step that a child learns when learning how to walk is crawling. Here, they are actually able to move around and get to places they they desire too, however they are not yet on their feet. Being that they are mobile, it is important now for parents to watch over their kids so that they do not get injured. When it comes to SAMR and argumentation, an example would be that students are now comfortable with the technology skills that they have and they are now on their way to finding new ways to navigate around and use technology to their benefit. Teachers and parents now just need to watch over students to make sure that the sites they are using are appropriate and kid friendly.

The third step that children do when learning how to walk, is actually walking. They are now up on their feet and learning how to take steps, however they are not yet moving very fast. They know what walking feels like and are doing everything in their power that they can to be like their parents (who walk). An example with SAMR and Modification here would be that children are now expected to know how to use sites to their benefit and would be expected to execute tasks with little help from adult figures. For example, they could be assigned to create a powerpoint, and they would be expected to complete the task at hand with little to no assistance.

The fourth and final step that children learn when learning how to walk is running. Before, they were taking steps and getting the hang of being on their feet, but now they are very comfortable with the feeling and are able to walk at faster paces and even run. This is the final step when it comes to walking. An SAMR and Redefinition example for this step would be, that students know exactly how to navigate most sites and work through problems they might encounter without help. They know what most buttons are used for, and they may even come across sites that you as a teacher have never heard of before. They may stumble and fall, but they get right back up on their feet and keep trying and succeeding. They know how to use many platforms with ease and can complete tasks without any assistance.