TPACK and SAMR Models Critique

The TPACK and SAMR models are two techniques for implementing technology into a course. While taking different approaches these models are a basis for how teachers whether in the traditional classroom or online arena can integrate technology to aid in student understanding. 
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So what exactly are the TPACK and SAMR models and what are some advantages and disadvantages of each?

SAMR by Coston Daugherty Both Infographics created on 1/23/2017 by Coston Daugherty
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I believe both models are excellent ways to help with technology implementation. Both the TPACK and SAMR models have positives and negatives and require an instructor to rethink how they teach concepts to students using technology. The TPACK model uses three foundations of teaching: technology, pedagogy and content knowledge and demonstrates how to overlap them. While the SAMR model often takes the form of a swimming pool from shallow to deep with each area at a different depth for technological integration.

Whether technology is being integrated into a traditional brick and mortar classroom or a student is completely immersed in an online class, an instructor must pay close attention to how the technology is being used for student understanding. Simply adding technology to a course for the sake of using technology does not benefit the student if it is not used properly and in a way to enhance student learning.

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I identify most with the SAMR Model. In the video below the Professional Learning Team at NCVPS has broken down this model with examples of how technology can be integrated into the online classroom. 

Created by Lydia Richmond, Used for NCVPS Professional Learning. Published 6.22.2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPrGaqnpVAY .  CCO Public Domain. 

I believe the SAMR model gives teachers ample opportunity to use technology in different ways in their content areas. From the various readings I have been able to understand that one does not always have to stay in the "Redefinition" area of the model. This is not possible 100% of the time. Sometimes simple Substitution or Modification can bring about the same student success and understanding. I have also discovered that there are numerous examples available showing how to use each step of the SAMR model to integrate technology in the classroom. I have seen the many advantages that this model brings to teachers when trying to add technology in their course. This is a model that can be used by a technology newbie or someone that is already teach savvy in their courses. 

The main take away with using either the TPACK or SAMR Model is...You are doing students an injustice if you do not know how to implement the appropriate technology at the proper time.

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References: 

• Koehler , M. (2011, May 13). What is TPACK? Retrieved from http://www.matt-koehler.com/tpack/
• Anderson, B. (n.d.). Helping Teachers with Technology. Retrieved from http://helpingteacherswithtechnology.com/tpack/
• Pappas, C. (2014, March 13). Rethinking SAMR, TPACK and using technology well. Retrieved from http://ditchthattextbook.com/2014/03/13/rethinking-samr-tpack-and-using-technology-well/
• Pappas, C. (2016, March 3). Applying The SAMR Model To Create An Effective Blended Learning Strategy. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/applying-samr-model-create-effective-blended-learning-strategy
• Hooker. (2014, August 1). SAMR Swimming Lessons. Retrieved from https://hookedoninnovation.com/2014/08/01/samr-swimming-lessons/?utm_content=buffer57016&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
• Schrock, K. (2013, November 21). SAMR Model Musings. Retrieved from http://blog.kathyschrock.net/2013/11/sarm-model-musings.html