Why These Frameworks Matter
As future educators, understanding TPACK and SAMR is essential for making informed decisions about technology integration in your classroom. These frameworks provide structured approaches to thinking about how, when, and why to use technology in teaching and learning.
TPACK helps you understand the complex relationships between technology, pedagogy, and content, while SAMR provides a ladder for evaluating the depth of technology integration. Together, they empower you to move beyond simply using technology to truly transforming learning experiences.
TPACK Framework
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Developed by Mishra and Koehler (2006), TPACK describes the complex interplay between three primary forms of knowledge: Technology, Pedagogy, and Content. Effective teaching with technology requires understanding how these three knowledge domains interact and influence each other.
Understanding the Intersections
TPK + TCK + PCK = TPACK
The magic happens when all three knowledge domains overlap. This is where teachers can make informed decisions about which technologies to use, how to teach with them, and how to best represent content for student understanding.
Context Matters
TPACK is not static—it changes based on your students, your school's resources, your curriculum, and your teaching context. What works in one situation may need adjustment in another.
SAMR Model
Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition
Created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the SAMR model provides a framework for evaluating the depth of technology integration. It moves from simple substitution to complete transformation, helping educators assess and improve how they use technology in learning.
Comparing TPACK and SAMR
TPACK Framework
- Focus: The knowledge teachers need to effectively integrate technology
- Asks: What do I need to know to teach this content with this technology?
- Perspective: Teacher-centered—focuses on educator knowledge and decision-making
- Purpose: Guides technology selection and instructional design
SAMR Model
- Focus: The level of technology integration and transformation
- Asks: How deeply is technology transforming the learning experience?
- Perspective: Task-centered—focuses on what students can do with technology
- Purpose: Evaluates and improves the depth of technology use
How They Complement Each Other
Use TPACK to Plan
Start with TPACK to think about your content, your teaching strategies, and which technologies might support your goals. Consider your students' needs and your learning objectives.
Use SAMR to Evaluate
Apply SAMR to assess how deeply you're integrating technology. Are you just substituting, or are you transforming learning? Use this to push your practice toward more meaningful integration.
Iterate and Improve
Use both frameworks together to continuously improve your technology integration. TPACK helps you make informed choices, while SAMR helps you aim higher and transform learning experiences.
Fitting into Modern Education
Digital Native Students
Today's students have grown up with technology. These frameworks help educators move beyond basic tech use to create learning experiences that leverage students' digital fluency while developing critical thinking and creativity.
Personalized Learning
TPACK and SAMR support differentiation and personalization. By understanding these frameworks, teachers can select technologies that meet diverse learning needs and create multiple pathways to mastery.
Global Collaboration
Modern education transcends classroom walls. These frameworks help educators design experiences where students collaborate globally, access authentic resources, and engage with real-world problems.
Future-Ready Skills
By applying TPACK and SAMR, educators prepare students for careers that don't yet exist. These frameworks emphasize creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication—the 4Cs of 21st-century learning.
Why Educators Need These Frameworks Today
- Intentional Integration: Move beyond "tech for tech's sake" to purposeful, pedagogically sound technology use
- Professional Growth: Provide a common language for discussing technology integration with colleagues and administrators
- Student Engagement: Design learning experiences that are relevant, meaningful, and transformative for digital-age learners
- Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and refine technology integration practices to maximize student learning outcomes
Mark as Complete
Once you've reviewed both frameworks, understood their differences and connections, and explored how they apply to modern education, mark this lab as complete.