What is SAMR
The SAMR model
- Substitution: Tech replaces the tool. No functional change.
- Augmentation: Tech replaces the tool. Adds a functional improvement.
- Modification: Tech allows for a significant redesign of the task.
- Redefinition: Tech creates a previously impossible task.
- Enhancement: The shallow end (Substitution + Augmentation).
- Transformation: The deep end (Modification + Redefinition).
SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. It is a framework that measures how much technology changes a learning task.
SAMR is split into two halves. The bottom two levels (Substitution and Augmentation) are called Enhancement: the technology improves the task but does not change it. The top two levels (Modification and Redefinition) are called Transformation: the technology changes the task into something different.
Think of it as a swimming pool. Enhancement is the shallow end. Transformation is the deep end.
To make each level concrete, one analogy runs through all four: the evolution of your morning commute.
Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition
A framework that measures how much technology changes a learning task.
- Enhancement (S + A): technology improves the task
- Transformation (M + R): technology changes the task into something different
Substitution
Technology replaces an existing tool with no change to the task. The outcome is the same. Only the medium changed.
Commute analogy: Driving a car instead of riding a bicycle. Same road, same destination. The vehicle changed, but the journey did not.
In the classroom:
- Students read a PDF on a tablet instead of a printed book
- Students type an essay on Microsoft Word instead of writing with pen and paper
- The teacher displays notes on a digital whiteboard instead of a chalkboard
Augmentation
Technology replaces an existing tool and adds a functional improvement. The task is the same, but something works better because of the technology.
Commute analogy: Driving a car with GPS navigation. You still go to the same place, but the GPS gives you real-time traffic updates and a faster route.
In the classroom:
- Students type an essay on a word processor that provides spell check, grammar suggestions, and a thesaurus
- Students take a quiz on Google Forms that auto-grades and gives instant scores
- Students read a digital textbook where they can tap difficult words to see definitions and hear pronunciation
Modification
Technology allows for a significant redesign of the task. The assignment changes in a way that would be difficult or impossible without the technology.
Commute analogy: Using a ride-sharing app to carpool with strangers. You still get to work, but the commute is redesigned. You coordinate with people in real time, share costs, and reduce emissions. How the journey happens is fundamentally different.
In the classroom:
- Students write an essay on Google Docs while classmates leave live peer-review comments at the same time
- Instead of a book report, students record and edit a podcast discussing the themes of a novel
- A group of students scripts, films, and edits a tutorial video explaining an algebraic concept to younger students
Using a ride-sharing app to carpool.
The task of commuting is significantly redesigned. You coordinate with strangers in real time, share costs, and reduce emissions. The basic task (getting to work) still happens, but how it happens is fundamentally different.
Redefinition
Technology allows for tasks that were previously impossible. The learning experience could not exist without the technology.
Commute analogy: Working from home through video conferencing. The commute is not improved or redesigned. It is eliminated. The concept of “going to work” is redefined.
In the classroom:
- Students collaborate in real time with a classroom in another country to co-write a comparative history project
- Students use VR headsets to walk through a simulated human heart
- Students conduct a live video interview with a published author during class
Each level of SAMR changes the task differently. The first two levels (Enhancement) keep the task the same. The last two (Transformation) change it into something new.
Enhancement (Substitution + Augmentation): the task stays the same, technology makes it better.
Transformation (Modification + Redefinition): the task changes into something different.
Commute analogy: Enhancement = car with GPS (same trip, better route). Transformation = working from home (the trip is eliminated).