The SAMR model provides a framework for classifying how technology may be used to enhance learning. There are four levels from lower to higher impact: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. At the substitution level, technology acts as a direct substitute with no functional change. Augmentation involves some functional improvement. Modification level uses technology to significantly redesign tasks. The highest level, redefinition, involves new tasks that could not be done without technology.

1. THE SAMR MODEL

2. WHAT IS THE SAMR MODEL?

3. SUBSTITUTION
The new technology is used as a direct substitute for an older tool, with no
change in the tasks undertaken by students, or how these tasks are
accomplished using the new toolset. At this level, no noticeable
improvements in student outcomes are recorded.
Examples:
Typing a paper instead of writing it
Working mathematical equations on the interactive whiteboard instead of a
standard whiteboard

4. AUGMENTATION
The new technology substitutes for an older tool, with no change in the
tasks undertaken by students. However, features of the new technology
are used to improve how these tasks are carried out by students, e.g., by
making the tasks easier or faster to accomplish, or by providing additional
features not previously available. At this level, small improvements in
student outcomes are recorded.
Example:
Students use the Internet to look up the facts and details about nonfiction
text (ELA 4.1b)

5. MODIFICATION
The tasks to be undertaken by students are significantly redesigned in order
to achieve new educational goals. The redesign is made possible by features
of the new technology, not available before. At this level, noticeable
improvements in student outcomes are recorded.
Example:
Students conduct a research project where they use several sources to
create an informative video. Students then create a separate reflection
video about what they learned from the project. (W.5.7, W.5.9)

6. REDEFINITION
Older tasks are replaced in part or in whole by newer tasks in order to
achieve previously unattainable educational goals. The new tasks are made
possible by features of the new technology, not available before. At this
level, strong improvements in student outcomes are recorded.
Example:
Student’s have been given the task of researching a famous author. During
the process, students are able to video conference with that author from
across the world. Students then compare and contrast their findings from
the information given by the author.(W.5.7)

7. WHAT LEVEL IS IT?
•
Students complete an online worksheet. They
then print the worksheet and pass it around.
Substitution

8. WHAT LEVEL IS IT?
•
Students record videos explaining how
characters respond to major events and
challenges. They take those explanations and
share them via the Internet to another class in
England. The class in England also shares their
student videos with the class.
Redefinition

9. WHAT LEVEL IS IT?
•
Students from different classrooms are asked to each read one
variation of Hanzel and Gretel. The first variation is from Germany
and the other is from Canada. Students then video chat with the
other classroom and explain their version of the story. While
explaining the story, the other class is recording differences they see
in their version of the story.
Augmentation
Common Core Standard: RL.2.2, RL. 2.9

10. WHAT LEVEL IS IT?
•
Students take a quiz using a Google Form instead
of using pencil and paper. The grades are
recorded in a spreadsheet for easy grading.
Augmentation

11. WHAT LEVEL IS IT?
•
Students are asked to type a paragraph around a
specific theme. Students make an audio
recording of their paragraph and add music to
express emotion. The recording is posted to the
school website for parents to review.
Modification

12. GROUP ACTIVITY
•
What could have made the previous example
redefinition? Take 5 minutes and discuss it at
your individual tables.

13. FINAL ACTIVITY
Within groups, come up with one activity that
correlates with each level of the SAMR Model.
Remember to choose 1 or more Common Core
standards for each activity. You have 10 minutes!

14. “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting kids
working together and motivating them, the teacher
is the most important.”
–Bill Gates