This week we examined the SAMR model for examining the role of technology in the classroom and evaluating activities with technology in mind. We also examined strategies for how how technology can be used to make the classroom more inclusive and accessible.
SAMR
SAMR stands for substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition. It is a framework for evaluating technology intergration in school activities.
The first two steps: substitution and augmentation, are enhancements to existing activities while leaving the bulk of tasks the same. An example of substitution would be writing a story on a computer as opposed to pen and paper. While an example of augmentation would be allowing the use of spell check and other digital tools while writing a story. These two steps do not engage higher order thinking.
The modification and redefinition steps of SAMR allow for more drastic transformation of the task and how technology is implemented in the task. The video gave the example of using an open doc format to allow students to share and collaborate with each other. Lastly, redefinition might allow students to engage in a multimedia way of story telling.
The SAMR approach is a great tool for teachers to have as they explore new avenues for engagement. SAMR can lead to activities where students can engage with material in creative and novel ways. That being said some possible drawbacks might be the lack of access to technologies depending on certain contexts. Furthermore, certain core competencies in the BC curriculum might not allow for deviation from certain product goals.
Accessibility
Why do you think many digital accessibility practices aren’t more well-known or commonly used?
I think that many of the digital accessibility practices are not often thought of when people are designing websites and apps due to the privilege of many of the designers. Many designers might not be thinking about accessibility as they themselves do not have any accessibility issues. That being said, this is changing and there are many extensions and the like that can be used for accessibility such as speechify and other text-to-speech programs.
Are there any digital accessibility practices that surprised you? Why?
I was surprised that headings and captions are considered accessibility practices. I suppose I always expect things to be formatted with the proper use of headings that I haven’t seen them used incorrectly. If headings are not used and formatting is done incorrectly, then information is very hard to absorb and read. Going forward I should be mindful of how my own digital resources are formatted so as to make things more accessible.