Teachers already have plenty on their plates without the added stress of learning new tech. That’s why classroom display technology should be designed to meet teachers where they are—making it as easy and familiar as possible to use while still offering room to grow and get students excited. For schools, the challenge of integrating the latest technology often leads them to look at the SAMR model as a helpful framework.

The SAMR model, created by education researcher Ruben Puentedura in 2010, offers schools a roadmap for technology integration that helps teachers succeed instead of feeling overwhelmed. It stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition—four tiers that represent how technology can transform learning. SAMR essentially guides schools in supporting teachers as they adopt new tech, making the process sustainable and ensuring the technology sticks.

So, how does SAMR work in real classrooms? The model starts by meeting teachers where they are, allowing them to introduce new tech without stress. And when you think about the tech makeup of most classrooms today, beyond laptops and devices, one of the most essential tools is the classroom display. More and more schools are choosing interactive smart boards, which offer powerful tools that can do so much more than a traditional projector. But that also means teachers need support as they learn how to get the most out of these tools.

In a national survey conducted by BenQ, over 48% of teachers reported using a PC as their primary device, and that is connected to a projector for their display. This shows why it’s so important for smart boards to bridge that gap between old technology and the future of teaching. Through the SAMR lens, teachers need to feel supported at every step. The right smart board should help them transition smoothly from what they already know to discovering new, 21st-century teaching possibilities.

At West Ottawa Public Schools, the SAMR model played a key role in evaluating and ultimately selecting BenQ Boards for their classrooms. The district wanted a solution that allowed teachers to teach their way while also offering tools to enhance student learning. Here’s how the BenQ Board aligns with the SAMR framework:

Substitution: When teachers first start using the BenQ Board, they can dive in right away. It acts as a direct substitute for their previous setup—just connect their PC, and they’re off! They can continue working from their device just like they did before. This saves time on training and helps teachers build confidence as they ease into the new technology.

Augmentation: Once teachers feel more comfortable, they can tap into additional features like InstaShare, BenQ’s wireless screen-sharing tool. This allows teachers to move around the classroom, engaging with students more interactively. Plus, students can share their screens with the board too, making lessons more collaborative.

Modification: As education becomes more digital, video components and learning apps are key to boosting engagement. With BenQ Boards, teachers can record lessons, access videos, and use their favorite learning apps right from the board. This introduces a more interactive learning experience without adding complexity for the teacher.

Redefinition: The fourth tier of SAMR is all about transformation. At West Ottawa, this meant using the BenQ Board to expand lessons beyond traditional teaching methods. Teachers embraced project-based learning and collaboration that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the board’s advanced tools — advanced annotation of videos and web pages, remote collaboration, split screen, and so much more!

BenQ Boards help break down the barriers of traditional education, giving teachers the chance to introduce new learning experiences at their own pace while delivering real-world engagement for students.

See how West Ottawa used BenQ Boards to support teachers at every stage of the SAMR model and transform their classrooms.