SAMR model: Where are YOU?

Hi, there!
This post will be about the SAMR model (you may find info here: https://sites.google.com/a/msad60.org/technology-is-learning/samr-model, which is a model put forward by Ruben Puentedura regarding the different levels of technology integration in the classroom to enhance learning. He posits that there are 4 levels of technology integration, the first two levels (Substitution & Augmentation) belong to the Enhancement "group" while the other two levels (Modification & Redefinition) belong to the Transformation "group".

Here is a short video which explains these four levels in a clear and concise way:

So, teachers, where are you in this model? Have you already achieved the Redefinition level? As for myself, as I am not actually teaching at the moment, it is difficult for me to think about how I go about these things. However, I would venture to say that I am still at the Substitution level. Still, I do have some prejudices against the use of technology just for the sake of it, I think there must be some meaningful purpose to it, but I still need to work on ideas to implement!

Avatars: Why use them at all?

Hello, people! 
This is the first avatar I created for myself:

I first used this page because it brought memories of my childhood days when I would play endlessly on my bedroom floor with my brother... We would create lots of stuff and run to show our parents, who would congratulate us with an amazed look on their faces! So, using Lego's to create an avatar felt right for me as I was able to create something which I identified with and which in a way represented me. And I think this is one of the uses we can take into account if we ask our students to create avatars. The shiest ones will probably be the most grateful! Sometimes it is not so easy to open yourself to others, especially new people, and, if you use an avatar, it becomes easier to explain things.

Then, after I saw the avatars my classmates had made on another webpage called Xiibi.com, I kind of wanted one myself! So I made this one: 

I really hope you like it! What I liked about this page is that it allowed you to write your name and that it had some really extravagant elements to put into your avatar! Although I haven't used any really extravant thing, I do think they are great for creating different characters which your students can later use in a story (or the other way about, first write or read a story and then create different avatars for each character).

I had never created a blog, let alone an avatar! And I found it fun as it helps you to reflect on the things you like, you don't like, the things you can relate to and much more. If you haven't made one, try! I guarantee you'll enjoy it!