SAMR Field Trip Reflection Redesign


I love trying out new tools with my students. I am constantly looking for ways to improve my teaching and engage students with the use of technology. 

When using a new tech tool, it is important to consider if the tool is enhancing the learning experience for the students or transforming it. While there are times when only enhancing the learning experience with the implementation of technology is great, I am always on the lookout for ways to transform the learning experience and do things that were not possible before. If you are not already familiar with the SAMR model for implementing technology, you can learn more HERE. A very brief explanation is that SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition, and it has to do with how technology is integrated into the classroom and the purpose it serves in learning. 
Image the creation of Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D. http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/

This week the tool I wanted to use (and fell in love with) was padlet.com


Padlet creates a digital bulletin board that anyone with the link can contribute to. Participants can add text, images, videos, and links. I wanted to give this tool a try. You can get more information about what Padlet is, and how to integrate it HERE!

My class recently went on a field trip to Black Diamond Mines. I wanted them to write a reflection about their experience. Typically, before writing, I would lead a group brainstorm. I would have the students share out ideas about the field trip to help the students remember the details. In the past, I would record their thoughts on chart paper, or on a piece of paper under the document camera. While this method was ok, there were some flaws. Only the students I called on had their ideas on the brainstorm list, and if a student wanted to finish their writing at home, if the anchor chart was taken down, or if the document camera was turned off, the student would have no access to this information. And it took a long time! Padlet to the rescue! 

I created a very simple Padlet and shared the link with my reflection writing assignment in our Google Classroom.


The morning after the field trip, I brought the students to the computer lab so that they could all be on a device at the same time. I guided them to the link and instructed them to add their thoughts about the trip. It could be their favorite part, a question they have, a fact they remember, etc...
All the student were engaged and contributing. Some started adding more details to comments started by other students, and they began answering each other's questions.


Once we finished our group brainstorm, I showed the students how to split the display on their screen so they could have the Google doc they were typing in on one-half of the screen, and view the Padlet on the other half. Since the writing was being done in Google Docs, I could provide feedback and help edit in live time.
The quality of the writing the students produced was so much better than if we had done this with pencil and paper. Also, a student that was absent was able to access the assignment instructions and Padlet at home and complete it.

In addition to the reflection paragraph, I had the students create a Google drawing of their field trip experience. 


The final paragraph and drawing were published to their Google Site ePortfolio.


Benefits of using technology for this assignment:
  • quick and easy to set up the Padlet and Google classroom assignment
  • all students had a voice in the brainstorming activity
  • students added to each other's ideas and answered each other's questions
  • time spent on brainstorming was reduced because all students were contributing at the same time.
  • absent students could participate from home
  • teacher support with writing could happen in live time
  • the quality of student writing improved with access to all the group brainstorm ideas
  • students who don't think they are "good artist" could feel safe creating a Google Drawing
  • publishing on their ePortfolio website provides an authentic audience

So what do you think? Where does this fall on the SAMR model?
How do you decide what tools to use and how to apply them to assignments in your classroom?

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