TPACK and SAMR

TPACK and SAMR are both frameworks for integrating technologies into teaching and learning. TPACK is used primarily as a visual representation of how to perceive this process. It uses a venn diagram to illustrate the interrelationships between Technology, Content Knowledge, and Pedagogy. SAMR uses four topics to define how technology can be used in the classroom. These topics include Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition.

TPACK

When I think of TPACK I think of: "using technology to effectively teach (pedagogy) content. While there are many criticisms of TPACK, I think it servers it purpose. Sure, it may not offer detailed ways as to how to do what it is illustrating, but I do think it is something worth checking in on from time to time; a way to "check" yourself, if you will. 

From this diagram we can see the different parts of TPACK and their intersections. I consider these check points. The importance of TPACK is understanding how these intersections matter in our teaching. Technology and Pedagogy intersect to bare the question: Do you know how to teach students how to use tech? Technology and Content knowledge meet to ask: Do you have the knowledge of what technology works for your subject field? Content Knowledge and Pedagogy meet to ask a question that teacher education has for centuries: do you know how to teach your content? All of these aspect combine to make TPACK.

SAMR

SAMR does something that TPACK does not and that is, SAMR digs a little deeper into how teachers use technology in the classroom. Substitution can be described as the new tech replacing the old tech without changing the task. This means that students are still completing the same assignments during the year, however, they are using a different medium to do so. Augmentation is characterized by increasing functionality when using technology. This may look like students making a google doc sharable with other classmates to facilitate in collaborative learning. Modification is when technology is now used to transform the task. This means that students are now doing the same task as before, but they are doing a variation of the previous task. Redefinition is designing and creating a new task through the use of technology. Each and every day teachers are finding new avenues to teach their content. These are things that us "old folk" did not think was possible when we were our students' ages.

In Support of SAMR

I believe that SAMR is a great tool for all teachers to utilize in their classroom. When considering using technology in today's world, you can ask yourself "how effectively can I use this," by reviewing this model. Without asking fundamental questions that this model indirectly asks of you, you truly cannot effectively implement technological use within your content.

Picture References:

M. (2017, June 09). TPACK Explained. Retrieved from http://matt-koehler.com/tpack2/tpack-explained/

The SAMR Model is Missing a Level. (2017, September 11). Retrieved from       http://ajjuliani.com/samr-missing-a-level/