SAMR Practice

Students record a podcast discussing the impact of climate change in different regions and publish it on the class website.

• Redefinition

• Substitution

• Modification

• Augmentation

Answer explanation

This is a completely new product and method of sharing understanding enabled by tech. Redefinition - During this stage of Integration technology leads to the creation of new tasks.  The learning activities  involve using  multiple technology tools,  and working on  documents simultaneously with classmates.  The end result involves creating digital projects infused with technology. 

Students use Google Earth instead of a paper atlas to find countries and cities.

• Modification

• Redefinition

• Substitution

• Redefinition

Answer explanation

Google Earth replaces the paper atlas without changing the task

The Substitution section of SAMR is the  lowest level of technology integration; technology replaces a tool that carries out the same function. 

Students use a digital simulation to explore how changing variables (like temperature or pressure) affect chemical reactions in real time. They can pause, rewind, and test unlimited scenarios.

• Augmentation

• Modification

• Substitution

• Redefinition

Answer explanation

The Augmentation stage contributes to a change in the learning environment to improve the functionality  of the intended learning activity. Technology is a direct substitute  with functional change.

Technology enhances the task by offering dynamic interactivity and experimentation that’s more functional than a textbook or worksheet.

Students use Google Maps to locate a country and measure distances between cities using the built-in tools.

• Modification

• Substitution

• Augmentation

• Redefinition

Answer explanation

The Augmentation stage contributes to a change in the learning environment to improve the functionality  of the intended learning activity. Technology is a direct substitute  with functional change.

Students take a multiple-choice quiz on a learning app instead of using paper.

• Substitution

• Redefinition

• Modification

• Augmentation

Answer explanation

The quiz format is unchanged—just digitized. The Substitution section of SAMR is the  lowest level of technology integration; technology replaces a tool that carries out the same function. 

Students work with peers from another country using Flip to exchange videos about daily life and culture, and then co-create a joint digital book.

• Redefinition

• Substitution

• Modification

• Augmentation

Answer explanation

This is a completely new product and method of sharing understanding enabled by tech.

Students design an interactive timeline using a web tool where clicking each date reveals images, video, and student voice recordings explaining events.

• Modification

• Substitution

• Redefinition

• Augmentation

Answer explanation

In the Modification stage , the integration of technology causes  a significant change in the activity.  This significant change initiates  how students engage with content. In short, the technology integration redefines the  learning task, and the learning that takes place. 

Students collaborate in real time using Google Docs to create a travel itinerary that includes maps, embedded videos, and links to cultural sites.

• Modification

• Redefinition

• Substitution

• Augmentation

Answer explanation

The task is redesigned with collaborative features and multimedia integration. In the Modification stage , the integration of technology causes  a significant change in the activity.  This significant change initiates  how students engage with content. In short, the technology integration redefines the  learning task, and the learning that takes place. 

Students create a virtual tour of a country using Google Earth Studio and narrate historical and cultural facts as a video tour.

• Redefinition

• Substitution

• Augmentation

• Modification

Answer explanation

This task would not be possible without technology—transformative learning.

Students use Minecraft Education Edition to collaboratively design a sustainable city, including renewable energy sources and public transportation, and then present their city via a virtual tour.

• Redefinition

• Augmentation

• Substitution

• Modification

Answer explanation

This is a reimagined learning experience that wouldn't be possible without technology—leveraging creativity, collaboration, and simulation.