Blog Post #3: Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Most middle school educators recognize the need for technology in the classroom. However, administrators look at the problem a little differently. Instead of asking how "I" can integrated technology into the classroom, administrators ask, "How do I encourage and empower our teachers to use technology in the classroom?" Even though our school is a small one and I only have six teachers, I still have six teachers and six classrooms that I worry about. At times, the problem of technology seems impossible to solve. Thankfully, Dr. Puentadura's SAMR Model gives a 4-tier approach to technology in the classroom.

SAMR Model by Dr. Ruben Puentadura

What I like about the model from a teacher's perspective is that even if you find yourself at the Substition level, you can feel good about being on the "map". And, once you know which tier you're on, you can figure out how to achieve the next tier. 

From an administrator's point of view, the model helps me to know where each of my teachers is and it gives me ideas for helping them to climb the model. It also makes me aware of the limitations that my teachers work under due to the lack of technology resources at our school. This awareness can help communication between teachers and admin because I know that I can only expect from them what our resources and the teachers' current abilities allow them to do. For instance, it would be unfair of me to ask that every teacher include a daily blog entry in their classes when we only have three computers. Also, if one of my teachers is at the Substitution level, I can not ask that she immediately structure a project on the Redefinition level.

I plan to help my teachers integrate technology by investing in more technology for our school. As I work on increasing our resources, I will help teachers design technology-rich learning experiences by, (1) introducing the SAMR model and having teachers evaluate which tier they are on; (2) sharing the tools that we have discovered in our class so that teachers can see what is available; (3) subscribe to a select number of premium sites that teachers can use; and, (4)work with teachers on a plan to climb the SAMR model with a goal to cross the median into the Transformation tiers.