First and foremost, I’d like to like to congratulate the two discussants for the substantial presentations. Last time, they have presented two very interesting and relevant topics which are SAMR and Quizizz. Before we go directly to my realization and introspection about these topics, let us first find out more about their definitions. The first presenter successfully enlightened us about the beauty of the SAMR Model. The acronym SARM stands for the “Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition”. It is actually a model that provides a scheme of considering how computerization and automation positively influence learning and teaching. It emphasizes the significance of educational technology as an important catalyst for enhancing the quality of instruction and how it helps learners and educators progress with the aid of technological tools and advancements. The only concern that we need to consider when dealing with this model is the level of student engagement. However, we can’t deny the fact that computer technology is the trend now and it unstoppably creating huge and significant impacts on our education today.
To be specific, let us understand each level for us to comprehend well. First, the substitution level indicates that the computer technology can be used to perform a task that is better than the traditional or usual ways, just like asking students to print out handouts and submit it afterward. Second, augmentation manifests how computer technology can be an effective tool to do common tasks and from the name itself, it signifies that we can do some improvements to the student experience using technology which also helps increase or empowers learners’ sense of productivity and unleash their full potentials. An example of augmentation is when students will take a certain quiz with the use of Google Form instead of having the typical pencil and paper style. Third, the modification phase encourages us to level up even more by using technology to redesign significant tasks and by transforming or doing a positive change to the design of the lessons and their learning outcomes, just like utilizing a learning management system (ex: Schoology, NEO LMS, Google Classroom, Moodle, Canvas, etc.) to manage the logistical aspects of handling a classroom, just like monitoring the grades of the students, communicating with them, creating calendars and administering assignments. Lastly, the redefinition level speaks about learning that can be essentially renovated at the “redefinition level” which enables activities that we thought are impossible to commence or unimaginable. An example of it is when we use virtual pen pals which allow us to contact others even if they are in remote or fa places or when students can connect with the experts and professionals relevant to what they are doing or what their teachers are asking them to do. A teacher can also do virtual field trips or virtual educational travels or organize a webinar for students who want to learn from specialists.
The
second presenter thoroughly discussed Quizizz. From the name itself, it
is actually an awesome assessment tool that enables teachers and students to
create and utilize one another’s quizzes. It’s actually a user-friendly and
accessible tool that provides a haven for teachers to organize and facilitate
live contests, quizzes, and assessment tasks, and the students can actively and
excitingly participate in the given tasks. By just doing the simple steps like
providing the students the access code, they can access afterwards the live
quiz or timed competition. After taking the assessment tasks, they can actually
review their answers and you, as a teacher can have the compiled data to
monitor students’ performances.
In terms of the usability and accessibility of this tool, it has a minimalist layout and the procedures of using it are very easy to follow which is a great thing because it doesn’t overwhelm the users. Another good thing is that you can apply the SAMR Model using Quizizz. Through substitution, the learners can perform a task on the Quizizz instead of having the usual written quizzes. In augmentation, while they are taking the quiz, the students can view their responses and others’ too in which they can compare the results while remaining anonymous. In the modification, they are allowed to quickly review their responses and make some changes before the teacher can give scores. In redefinition, the teachers can have the compiled data of the results in the form of a spreadsheet to analyze the performance of the students and make some changes or decisions afterward, especially if there are topics that need serious attention (University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2021).
When it comes to my experiences, to be honest, it was my first time to hear and learn about SAMR Model. I have never heard about it before. But surprisingly, I have found out that I have been thoughtlessly applying the model in my classes using our learning management system which is the NEO LMS. Through it, we can post in the news feed the important announcements and every student can read them immediately. We can also communicate with them using chat and receive real-time responses and notifications. We can also creatively create classes there by choosing specific designs and augmentations. We can also administer different assessment tasks like online quizzes, offline assignments, team activities, games, dropbox, essays, surveys, debates, SCORM quiz, and google assignments. We can enter content such as texts, images, videos, and animations. We can upload our resources in the lessons corner or store them in the library. We can immediately connect to Google Meet and Zoom without hassle. We can also monitor automatically their grades, progress, and performances. As instructors, we also have the capacity or the authority to manage the settings in case if there needed enhancements or transformations. This LMS is actually considered the world’s best LMS for schools and universities in the Philippines because of its various relevant features.
As to the Quizizz, I only got the chance to experience its amusing functionality when some of my GS classmates in Capitol University introduced it to us and administered pretest and posttest during their topic presentations. Our LMS also has the same functionality but I would honestly say that Quizizz is more straightforward and easier to use. As a College Instructor, possibly I will consider using it in the near future, but as of the moment, I can fully rely on our LMS because of the massive features that we can utilize.
I strongly believe that the SAMR model is very relevant in this time of the pandemic. Indeed, educators need to familiarize and utilize this model to have a smooth-sailing and innovative way of delivering online education without neglecting the students’ welfare and education. Its phases are easy to comprehend because the processes are clearly manifested. What I really love about it is that it can really transform the usual way of learning. It has great and promising outlooks about improving the quality of education and it enables educators to unleash the full potentials of the students. It can heighten their engagements and it can enhance their academic performance in this new normal learning environment. I would also love to say that Quizizz is very useful, especially in this time of the pandemic where some schools don’t have enough budget for learning management systems. Because it is free and user-friendly, everyone can just use this for teaching and learning. The only issue that I can draw about Quizizz is that for me, it’s kind of childish, easy-peasy, or too creative for me. As a college instructor, I would settle for an advanced tool like the learning management systems that can help you administer all types of assessment. However, I still consider Quizziz as an effective backup plan, a fortress, or a source of ammunition when life becomes harder for your institution or when students want to keep it simple and accessible.
Now I will continue what I have been doing and be more obedient to SAMR Model because it clearly can help me get through this labyrinthine situation that all of us are experiencing. It’s a great concept for us to face online education or even flexible learning. I will be more systematic on my assessment tasks by following the SAMR Model so that my online classes will be more engaging, more fruitful, and more interactive. I will harmoniously utilize this model to surpass the traditional way of teaching and learning by substituting, augmenting, modifying, and redistributing what I have and what I can give to my students. I will reflect even more about the very essence of having technology as an important portal for them to go victoriously to their desired future. Also, through Quizizz, I will offer something new to the table so that my students can have another exciting learning experience that is different from the usual. Furthermore, I will also share these new pieces of facts and information with my colleagues so that they can also consider other paradigms that will help them shape or transform effectively and efficiently their teaching practices. All of us deserve to rise from the ashes that is why with the help of this model and with the aid of the different technological tools and advancements, we can do more and be more in this new normal education. I know it sounds like a cliché but it clearly brings all the thought and reality of what we are experiencing right now.
Photo Credits:
https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5f436498a2392b001b9c9b86/quizizz-youve-been-invited-to-a-quiz-game
https://www.schrockguide.net/samr.html
