When used effectively, iPads can develop thinkers and problem solvers. They can be used to transform learning inside and outside of the classroom, and offer limitless opportunities. Many educators are effectively integrating technology in the classroom using iPads to achieve the 4C’s, or "super skills," that digital learners need to compete in our global society.But in order to do that, the focus has to shift from apps to content: that’s when true redefinition takes place. When my district rolled out our iPad initiative in 2012, teachers thought they needed specific apps for every content area. Eventually, we ended up with literally thousands of apps in our portal. This was extremely overwhelming, difficult to manage, and eventually, a turn-off for teachers.Are you ready to adjust your teaching for this new learning revolution? Let me take you inside the idea of SAMR with a helpful metaphor: Starbucks. The simplest way I know to describe the levels in the SAMR model is using a visual created by Tim Holt, who uses Starbucks as a unique way of looking at the model.What’s the SAMR Model?The key to powerful and authentic technology integration is selecting digital tools that are appropriate for the task. One way to measure this is through the SAMR Model, which was developed by Ruben Puentedurato provide educators with a framework for successful technology integration. SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. The SAMR model allows you the opportunity to evaluate why you are using a specific technology, design tasks that enable higher-order thinking skills, and engage students in rich learning experiences.SAMR is like looking at a menu. You have so many choices: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. Sometimes you want a latte, sometimes you just want that plain cup of coffee--you have the opportunity to pick a new menu choice as often as you like, depending on the task, the content area, or the level of student engagement.Substitution: Same Task, New TechAt the substitution level, you are substituting a cup of coffee that we could make at home or school with a cup of coffee from Starbucks. It’s still coffee: there’s no real change. Reading a book on the iPad would be considered substitution, as you are simply substituting a handheld book for a digital book. Taking notes or writing an essay using Google Drive orEvernote instead of using paper and pencil are other examples of substitution. Although these activities engage students and enhance learning, the level of tech integration is low: teachers are just substituting technology for things you could do without technology.Augmentation: Improve the Task with New FeaturesAt the Augmentation level, you are taking regular coffee and making it better by adding ice, or a little cinnamon on top. We didn’t change the coffee, but it tastes better because we augmented and enhanced it with additional ingredients. With a digital book, students can click on a word and get a definition, synonym, or a link that may take them to more information about that subject area. While writing, they can highlight a word, spellcheck, customize and format font.Skitch or PicCollage are both great apps that allow you to augment learning by annotating images. Students can find objects in the classroom, take pictures, then label their work, whether it be math, word work, or science. Using a video camera app students could complete afluency bootcamp, where they would record themselves reading a passage, and play it back checking for fluency and expression. Although these examples enhance learning, the tasks do not change.Modification: Changing the TaskAt the Modification Level, we add some bells and whistles to the augmented coffee. We add a little whipped cream, caramel, and some special flavoring, and we now have a salted caramel mocha with a fancy design. At this level, technology allows for significant task redesign, like collaborating in real-time using Google Drive. Students are motivated to write for their peers and engage with a global network. To use technology to modify learning, we add multimedia through video, sound and audio. Students could create a soundtrack in Garageband for a multimedia presentation. Students could use iMovie App to create iMovie Book Trailers, or digital stories using the Videolicious app. Modification involves changing the task, and personalizing the project.Redefinition: A Whole New TaskFinally, at the Redefinition level, we are ordering a pumpkin spice latte, redefining a regular cup of coffee to something you can only get at Starbucks. We are completing a task that cannot be done without the use of technology. I compare redefinition to the higher order thinking levels in Bloom’s Taxonomy like analyzing, creating, and evaluation. The students are researching, sharing, collaborating, and connecting with not only their classrooms but with classrooms around the world. They are generating questions, and exploring topics and content using current technologies available to them.Teachers are going beyond the four walls of their classrooms through virtual book club discussions through Hangouts, taking Virtual Field Trips to visit the white House kitchen to learn about nutrition, or talking with astronauts from Nasa to complement their space unit throughGoogle Connected Classrooms. Students are developing mapping, critical thinking, and problem solving skills through Mystery Skypes, completing collaborative writing through Kidblog, and connecting to the world through social media like Twitter.Our school used QR codes and Augmented Reality to make our annualart show interactive. Using a whiteboard app like Educreations, a teacher created an Array Hunt lesson to help her fourth grade students make a real-world connection with arrays by finding arrays around their school, then created a video to show their learning. Students are usingiBook Author, or Storybook Maker to create their own digital books are more ways students can reach redefinition levels.Using the SAMR Model in Your ClassroomAs I studied more about the SAMR model, I learned that as we travel through the four levels of integration, the goal doesn’t have to be to reach the redefinition level with every lesson. Sometimes all we want is the plain cup of coffee, and sometimes we want that Starbucks-only pumpkin spice latte.Authentic learning does not fit in a one-size (or one beverage) fits all type of learning environment. The role of the teacher changes in a modern classroom, as our students can be curators and producers of content too. This involves a mindshift on both ends.When you think about how you will use technology in your classroom, ask yourself these questions to determine where it lies on the SAMR Model.Learn more about active learning, and the SAMR Model, here.This piece was originally posted in edsurge

With traditional one-size-fits-all professional development, many teachers get overlooked and fall through the cracks, just like our students, resulting in poor implementation in the classroom. Why have we spent so much time revamping educational programs for students, but we deliver the same old PD for teachers? What about our Digital Age educators? Differentiation and personalized learning opportunities are just as important for teachers--creating empowering learning communities is key.Instead of "professional development," we need authentic, personalized "professional learning opportunities" that improve workflow and foster creativity. They should allow for teachers to make connections with content, and most importantly each other. Teachers need the same level of engagement as students, and they are more engaged when they participate in professional learning opportunities that give them ownership, and a personalized experience.Teachers need choice just like our students, and experiences that enhance and develop the 4C’s: critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.Most districts don’t have funding to send teachers to national conferences, or to host keynote speakers, but instead have found ways to revamp the look of Professional Learning to meet the needs of their staff in non-traditional ways. Here are few of the unique ways educators are given opportunities to expand their learning environment through creative measures.Edcamps, based on an Unconference model, are free, discussion-based sessions. The presentations are not predetermined, and anyone attending the event is considered a presenter. The participants create the schedule and the topics by writing their ideas on a blank sheet of paper or index cards, then they take them to a large whiteboard or common area where they post their idea. This creates spontaneity and often sparks unique conversations in problem-solving sessions, as a facilitator will lead by asking discussion questions to spark conversation.Hattiesburg Public School District uses SimplyBook.me to offer technology training for teachers by allowing them to book appointments with the district technologists for training on the topic of their choice. Teachers get a menu of choices of what they want to train on, and can even suggest trainings that are not on the list. Dr. Will Deyamport, a technologist in the district, takes pride in this format and believes "it puts teachers at the ownership of their learning."Carson City School District has created C.A.F.E.: Create, Collaborate, and Connect, Advocate, model, and teach digital citizenship, Facilitate blended learning experiences, Engage in professional learning opportunities. Teachers can "drop-in" to the administrative center at their convenience on a given day to have coffee and snacks, and talk tech in an informal, cafe-style learning environment. Teachers have the option to stay for 15 minutes or two hours--it’s truly based on their current need.Participating in a Twitter Chat is a great way to quickly gain valuable information on any topic you choose at a very fast pace, as you make connections with like-minded individuals all across the world. There are thousands of twitter chats available everyday.The Flipped Professional Development model focuses on maximizing teachers’ time by creating a blending learning model in which information is dispended ahead of time. Utilizing resources like posting important information in the workroom, bathroom, or lounge, via a QR code, attached to a video, or website, makes sharing information appealing and convenient.Gamification relates to applying game thinking into a non-game context. Teachers execute challenges, level up, and complete episodes to earn recognition, in-house certification, skill advancement, and even money! Badges and prizes are also awarded. The process involves embedding tutorials, articles, or videos that explain the tool or concept into a learning platform, then a simple way for them to show their level of understanding through a quiz, or performance task. Learn more about how a school in San Diego is using Gamification to personalize learning for teachers.Ladue District has implemented a Technology Leadership Academy for teachers. This year-long training model creates a small cadre of about 15 teachers that learn and work together. The cadre is given the opportunity to connect with other educators in the district at various levels and subject areas, and they receive collaborative training face-to-face with technology coaches. The goal is to train educators to be technology leaders in their schools.Setting learning goals that are individualized for teachers is ideal because it puts them in charge of their professional development. Teachers can choose how they want to meet their goal, rather it be by attending a conference, workshop, online tutorial, or face-to-face meeting.This allows for individualization, and opportunities for collaboration.The key to successful professional development to create a professional learning experience that supports teachers to make learning better, faster, long-lasting and transferrable. Changing the way we view professional development as a whole can certainly create impactful and productive learning experiences for teachers, which has a domino effect in the classroom.Patricia Brown is a technology integration coach, an adjunct graduate professor, and an edtech professional development consultant. She is also an official EdSurge columnist.This post was originally featured on Edsurge.com

I am proud to announce I was selected as a 2015 LEAD PBS LearningMedial Digital Innovatorhttp://www.pbslearningmedia.org/digitalinnovators/100 teachers were selected to be a part of this elite group of digital media innovators, and 30 of those innovators were selected to be LEAD innovators!With this honor, I received an all expensive paid trip to Philadelphia for the PBS LearningMedia Summit in June, and get to participate in some exciting professional development. This is exciting, not only for the honor, but we lead right into my time at the ISTE conference! Talk about perfect timing!Congrats to 2015 Lead PBS Digital Innovators, learn more about them and their favorite resources at the link below:•...Posted by Learning Division of EducationPlus on Thursday, April 16, 2015Congrats to @msedtechie & @MrsKGilchrist on being named 2015 @PBSLrnMedia Digital Innovators! http://t.co/OSvgpnlNjX pic.twitter.com/CY7LiTOWtC— Nine Network (@TheNineNetwork) April 10, 2015It looks like I will be traveling all summer!! I got selected to attend the Discovery Education DEN Star Academy in Washington DC!This is another exciting opportunity to connect and share with educators, and expand my PLN. The funny thing is, I found out via twitter.Check out my application video It's not too late to still apply, check out the link here for more information about the program.

"Summer break": two words that bring smiles to both teachers and students. For those in education, summer is a time for relaxation, regrouping, and also new learning. Whether you are attending a conference like ISTE, or creating your own personalized learning experience, utilizing this "break" to explore new technologies and strategies that help expand your teaching toolbox can be very rewarding.Not sure where to start? Here are some questions to ponder when choosing your summer learning experiences.Dive Deep into Digital AssessmentsWhat creative measures do you use to assess students through digital media? Most schools have adopted online standardized testing. This makes it extremely important for teachers to expand their knowledge of digital resources aligned to Common Core. Showing a video is no longer a sufficient way to successfully integrate digital media. True integration involves an active learning experience where students are creating, and are able to make a personal connection with the content. I give some suggestions for formative assessments here, like Kahoot and EdPuzzle.A Splashing Good Time Collaborating and CreatingAre you exposing your students to opportunities that allow them to collaborate, create, connect and critically think? Or are they just consumers? What does a digital age classroom really look like? Does it include students and teachers working collaboratively, creating learning spaces & opportunities in unlikely places, like bringing augmented reality into a classroom art show? How are you creating transferable skills? A student learning to create digital stories with video in their broadcast class should be able to transfer those same skills to their English class when asked to write a personal narrative.What're You Wading For? Expand Your Classroom’s WallsWhile you’re lounging by the pool, think about how you can share the awesome things going on in your classroom. How can you expand the four walls of your classroom to develop lifelong learners, producers, and publishers? Many teachers use blogging as a way to share information with parents and other educators the wonderful things they are doing in their classroom. Need some ideas? EdTech Magazine created a list of Must Read Educator Blogs. Check out their list.Big Strokes: Connecting WorldwideAre you a connected educator? How do you leverage your relationships with other educators? How do you measure how effectively you have been integrating edtech tools into the classroom? Are you using Twitter, Voxer,Skype, Google Hangouts, or other social media tools to expand your personal learning network, or PLN? Social media allows you to create your own learning opportunities, anywhere, and anytime. The connections you make through social media lead you to a wealth of knowledge that is not made possible without it. Twitter is becoming the new Google search, because you are able to find content, and valuable dialogue on any topic by using the search box on Twitter. Find out more ways to connect with and learn from other educators here.Take a Dip and Learn From OthersMaybe you are more comfortable connecting with people in person than through the virtual world. Attending conferences, edcamps, and playdatesare great ways to make lifelong friends, and connections in your local community.As we bring this school year to a close, I am sure you will use this summer to relax, but also reflect. As educators, we must constantly be looking and searching for new and innovative ways to engage students. Don't let the whole summer go by without exploring fantastic ways to improve the quality of your instructional practices, by refilling your learning toolbox!