SAMR in the Library

Teachers wear many hats on a daily basis but are often without the time, expertise, or interest to add another hat to their closet. Enter, the teacher-librarian.

The library, or learning commons, is the technology hub in many schools. It connects students to iPads, laptops, robotic sets, online databases, or other types of technology. Although teachers have access to these materials, they don’t always know how to build meaningful lessons using them. SAMR, short for substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition, is a framework that allows educators to integrate technology into their teaching. As their school’s technology leader, the teacher-librarian may help others integrate tech into their practice through either training or collaboration.

(Edutopia)

The SAMR framework is split into two levels of integration. Enhancement, which substitutes traditional materials for a technological upgrade, can often be an easy switch (such as creating a book using the Book Creator app). The teacher-librarian can support teachers by giving them the tools to support in-class learning, by championing tools, such as online databases and helpful computer programs or apps. They can also offer training sessions or links to independent learning modules. The second grouping, transformation, use technology to elevate a lesson in a way that cannot be done using traditional resources (for example, students might help their peers learn their spelling words by creating a game in Scratch Jr). Transformation requires students to use tech tools to think critically and outside the box. This could be an opportunity for the teacher-librarian to take lead in a collaboration or model to other educators how to use technology to reshape learning.

Since the library is a central hub of technology, the teacher-librarian could be responsible for curating the school’s technological resources. Understanding SAMR and knowing teachers’ curriculum and habits can help the teacher-librarian to build their collection around the needs of the school. Knowledge of the library’s inventory also allows the teacher-librarian to match resources to what teachers are doing in their classrooms so that purchased materials are not gathering dust in a storeroom.


Works Cited

Kirkland, Anita Brooks. “Models for Technology Integration in the Learning Commons.” Canadian School Libraries Journal, Canadian School Libraries, 10 May 2017, https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/models-for-technology-integration-in-the-learning-commons/.

Terada, Youki. “A Powerful Model for Understanding Good Tech Integration.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 4 May 2020, https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration/.

Comments

  1. KappaBattaApril 15, 2023 at 2:07 PM

    Matthew commenting here....
    I've never heard of "Scratch Jr" but I like the sound of it! I could see it being a great tool to fulfill the SAMR approach. I agree that the TL should be responsible for curating the school's technology resources. I wonder if many TLs are also head of school's tech committees. That would be a good post to have, not to take advantage of it, but to ensure the LLC is indeed the school's tech hub.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ms. HuntApril 15, 2023 at 5:55 PM

    Hi Sara, I appreciate the effort you put in to explaining the SAMR model. Your example of Scratch Jr. is an excellent one for transformation and I could really see students enjoying doing this for their class. I think as a Teacher Librarian it is essential that we host training sessions. I'm wondering, have you explored much in creating how-to videos? Its something I'm considering doing!
    -Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  3. PhilApril 16, 2023 at 10:19 AM

    Hi Sara,
    I'm particularly interested in your Scratch Jr example as I'm currently using Scratch Jr with my 3/4 class at the moment to create animations. How would you incorporate spelling into this?

    Also, I know you asked if anyone was having commenting issues. I'm using chrome and I needed to change my settings to allow third-party cookies in order to comment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sara CApril 18, 2023 at 7:48 PM

      Hi Phil,

      Good question! When I was originally thinking about the idea, I had been talking to a kindergarten teacher. We discussed using the record tool to record different letter sounds and then match it to the right letter. You could do that with words and maybe use the "on touch" icon to a send a message that they found the correct word.

      The other idea would be to dip your toe into Scratch using the keystroke command. You would need to experiment with if/then statements. Then the kids would have to type out the word correctly. Or do it similar to Scratch Jr but the benefit would be you could make a longer game.

      Delete

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