The Flipped Classroom: SAMR Model

As I continue to look at the different ways that we can incorporate technology into the classroom I came across the SAMR model, which shows the 'flipped classroom'. As I continue to see the need for finding new ways to bring technology into the classroom, I find that the SAMR model shows ways to ensure that education will be redefined through technology as opposed to just merely substituting a computer for a overhead projector. Being fresh out of teacher's college, I feel that the SAMR model is a Bloom's taxonomy approach to technology in the classroom. 

I feel that finding new ways to incorporate technology in the classroom should be a priority of educators if we want to prepare our students for the 21st century. Furthermore, students are becoming so increasingly stimualted by technology, it's unfair to expect students to sit to a lecture that focuses on copying down notes by hand from a chalkboard or overhead projector. While it may not be a reality for teachers and school's to fit in more technology into the classroom, we must be able to find ways that we can encourage new and engaging ways that technology can be used. I was surprised and encouraged to see schools employ a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) rule, that allows students to bring in their own tablets or smart phones that can be used for educational purposes. Internet use can be restricted by only allowing school wifi acess and controlled through a firewall. Students would ask the teacher for permission to use their device for different reasons, and if they used it out of turn or inappriately (ie: texting or on facebook during classtime), the device would be taken away. Some schools take the opposite approach and take away technology with no questions asked. It is my hope that schools and educators can find ways that can use technology for more teachable moments instead of punishment.