Cathryn Ashbrook EDUC 538 - Reflection Blog Post #4

1. What is the relationship between SAMR & TLC?

The relationship between SAMR and TLC is that TLC is almost like an umbrella for SAMR. TLC consists of the categories that we are using the technology for, such as planning, assessing, creating, etc and SAMR is integrated into each of these web tools to a certain degree. These web tools can be a basic substitution for a task (using word instead of hand writing an assignment) to a complete redefinition that transforms the assignment (creating a mini movie to present their favorite book instead of a book report).

2. How can the SAMR model assist you in integrating with intention?

The SAMR model will make me reflect on why I am choosing to integrate this web tool into my classroom. It will also help me evaluate if my current tools are teaching my students effectively or if they are surface level. I do like having the resource of SAMR to adjust and adapt my tech tools. 

3. Which analogy for the SAMR model do you find most helpful? Be sure to include an image/video of the analogy and explain why you like it.

During the exploration of SAMR I found the coffee analogy the easiest to understand, but once becoming more familiar will the concept of SAMR, I was able to find other analogies that I liked. The one that I chose is posted above and about the task of clearing fallen snow. I found this example effective in helping me solidify the stages of SAMR and it also had a personal connection to me (always my job to shovel our driveway growing up) and thought it was fun!

4. Which level of SAMR can you see yourself using most? Explain why.

For whole class instruction, I see myself using the redefinition stage the most. If I am going to incorporate a web tool I want to completely change how I am doing an assignment. For example using Kahoot as a review before their science assessment. For small groups or differentiation I would like to try and use all the levels of SAMR. One example of using the augmentation stage of SAMR for differentiation would be using the speech to text function in our word program for students who struggle with the physical aspect of writing. That way they are able to get their thoughts out without having the barriers of having to write their work.

Cathryn Ashbrook EDUC 538 - Reflection Blog Post #3

Briefly describe the website or tool and how it connects to the topic (TLC) in our course.

The learning tool I chose for this blog is Avatarmaker. Avatarmaker is a website that can honestly be used for any grade! This resource allows students the autonomy to create their own avatar character that either looks like them or they can create someone completely different. Once the students are done with creating their character, the avatar can be download and inserted into any assignment or project. This web tool was found under the creativity section in our Learning: Information Processing, Collaboration, & Creativity Tools PDF file. It connects to our creativity section because it allows the students an opportunity to creative and design their own character, plus it adds some more life to projects. 

Discuss each of these criteria: ease of use, versatility, and overall likelihood of using it in your classroom or professional situation.

One thing that I really liked about this web tool is the ease of use. There is no login required and the second that you get onto the website, the website walks you through step by step on how to change each feature of your avatar. Granted there aren't features for everything, for example, I have freckles on my face and I was unable to add it to my avatar but I was still able to add glasses, my hair color and eye color! The versatility of this web tool are also endless! Since it is a downloaded avatar you or the students can add it to anything! There is also the ability to print out the avatar and use it as a hard copy on something. I personally would use this tool in my future classroom. I could see this being a fun icebreaker for the students to get to explore how they view themselves and to get to know one another. For younger grades, like kindergarten or 1st grade, I would even print out their avatars and put it on their cubbies or desks so they can identify which space is theirs. Not only can the students use it on everything but so can I as a teacher. I would use my avatar on weekly news letters or to make posters for my room. The possibilities are endless!