Bringing high-quality (and free!) Google Apps into the classroom is a popular trend these days in education technology. Whether you’re using the all-new Google Classroom to simply working on using Google Calendar to track your field trips, there is a lot to think about.

But what happens when you want to take your Google-ization of your classroom to the next level of learning? More than likely, you are familiar with the SAMR model. That is the ‘Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition’ framework that is built to help use technology for improving learning.

Not familiar with SAMR? No problem. Watch this video.

SAMR stands for “Substitution – Augmentation – Modification – Redefinition”. It is a framework for using technology to transform learning.

• Substitution: Using new technology for an old task
• Augmentation: Using additional new technology for an old task
• Modification: Using new technology to change an old task
• Redefinition: Using new technology to create new tasks

Got it. Total SAMR master now. So what about integrating Google Apps with the SAMR model?

First off, know that we’re big fans of Google in education and write it about it on a regular basis. Subscribe, follow, like, etc. to stay connected and learn more. I suggest you check out this article as your next step. But wait! Before you go all click-happy, let’s jump into a bit more about how to integrate Google Apps with SAMR. What better way to do that than with this fabulous infographic from Erifili Davis of Google Apps Action.

Example of SAMR in action using Google Apps

• Original task: Write a report about a city using paper/pen/glue/scissors, etc, using books in the library for research.
• Substitution: Use Google Docs and research on the Internet to create the report.
• Augmentation: Use Google Docs and research on the Internet to create the report. Share the document with the class teacher.
• Modification: Use Google Docs and research on the Internet to create the report. Share the document with the class teacher and other students. Students use the comments feature to provide peer feedback.
• Redefinition: Use Google Hangouts to connect to a virtual tour of the city hosted by a class in the target city with a reciprocal arrangement. Questions and pictures are shared using Google +. Groups of students collaborate to create a reporting using their choice of Google Apps for Education solution, e.g., Doc, Slides, YouTube or Blogger. Report would include multimedia elements. Redefinition can help create more meaningful and student-centred learning experienced.

Sweet! I’m getting there. So what do I do now?

I now think it’s time for viewing this absolutely fantastic video that involves SAMR, LEGO, and education technology. It’ll help you take your first integration steps into the brave new world of SAMR-edtech.

So now you’re an expert, eh? Want a digital badge? This video is for you:

Want a quick video from the Google team? Here you go: