SAMR & Web 2.0 Tools

I co-teach 6^th grade Language Arts and teach basic classroom math and social studies.  My basic classroom is for students with Mild Cognitive Impairments.  After reviewing SAMR I've realized that I've utilized the Substitution and Augmentation levels just this month.  The Modification and Redefinition levels are where I've fallen off.  Hopefully as I did deeper into these tools my creativity begins to flow.  I'm fortunate to work in a district where we have technology available, there just aren't a ton of people using it.  Here are some examples I could think of for SAMR.  I would love any feedback you have!

Level	Definition	My Example
Substitution	Computer technology is used to perform the same task as was done before the use of computers.	Currently, in my basic classroom I have students log onto iXL to practice math skills. This simply replaces worksheets.
Augmentation	Computer Technology offers an effective tool to perform common tasks.	My co-teacher and I use iLearn occasionally for tests.  We type the test into the software and the students log in to take it.  This saves us time grading and the students receive immediate feedback on their score.
Modification	This is the first step over the line between enhancing the traditional goings-on of the classroom and transforming the classroom. Common classroom tasks are being accomplished through the use of computer technology.	I would like to utilize Google Apps for Education in my co-taught language arts classroom.  During editing and revising students can work in groups editing papers together on a live document.  This eliminates the issues of “I can’t read this!” Also, this allows me to work with and observe multiple groups at the same time.  We don’t have to worry about sticky notes and colored pencils.
Redefinition	Computer technology allows for new tasks that were previously inconceivable.	Students could use iPads to create videos and presentations on a story or topic.  This would allow for creativity, group work, differentiation, and a fun was to assess student understanding.

Generation Edge

As a member of the Millennial generation, I find some common ground with the students of today.  I remember sitting in my undergraduate college classes watching a professor write on a chalk board thinking, “What is this guy doing??”  As a middle school teacher, I understand that the “Stand and deliver” style of instruction is not effective for our students.  Death by PowerPoint is becoming a problem of the past with our fast paced new environment.  Our students need engagement and collaboration.  These students expect quick feedback and need class to move at a rapid pace.  Sitting in a desk for 55 minutes straight is not appropriate for the students of today.

                One of the things that I do not see as much from the students of the Generation Edge is the digital doubting that is spoken about in the “Close to the Edge” article.  It could be the age group I’m teaching, but my students do not keep much private.  Internet safety and a desire for face-to-face communication isn't as strong as they stated in that article.

                The Prensky article was accurate in describing today’s students as digital natives.  However, I do not feel like a digital immigrant.  I may not have had access to a computer my entire life like my students have, but I remember the technology becoming a large part of my life once it made it there.  

Introduction

Hello Everyone,

My name is Amber Coppola and I am a Special Education teacher in Dearborn Public Schools.  I  co-teach 6^th Grade Language Arts and teach Math and Social Studies for students with Mild Cognitive Impairments.  I’m very fortunate to have a career that I love.  

I am engaged to an incredible man named James and we are looking forward to our September 2015 wedding.  We have a 65 pound lap dog, otherwise known as Sarge, our German Shepherd who we love very much.  I am a huge Tiger’s fan, and visit Comerica Park as often as I can.

I did attend Wayne State University for my undergraduate studies.  I graduated in December of 2010 with a B.S. in Special Education.  Midtown was where I called home while I went to WSU.  While on campus I joined Kappa Delta Sorority.  Currently, I am the Vice President of Membership to our Alumnae Chapter and I advise our Collegiate Chapter here at Wayne State.

I look forward to working with all of you this semester!

-Amber Coppola