S.A.M.R and T.P.A.C.K

SMAR makes learning more engaging and TPACK makes it more effective. It is important that TPACK and SMAR are a part of the same conversation. 

I've come across the SMAR model many times on my teaching journey. It is what challenges us (teachers) to make learning activities more engaging and exciting. I think sometimes us (teachers) see SMAR as a ladder to be climbed. That "great" teachers have to teach 'above the line' in order to be effective and engaging. I reckon some learning activities only need to be at a substitution level to be effective, while others need to be redefined. SAMR pushes us (teachers) to see what is possible with technology that was impossible without it. 

TPACK is what makes learning effective. TPACK gets us (teachers) to think about the content, our pedagogy to effectively integrate technology into our classrooms.  I think, if our pedagogy and content knowledge is weak then this will only be amplified by adding technology into our classrooms. TPACK brings our pedagogical beliefs and content knowledge into the conversation. The centre of the diagram is the 'sweet spot' where the technology, content and pedagogy all match up and effective learning takes place. 

TPACK and SMAR aren't exclusive they need each other. TPACK helps us (teachers) to focus on our pedagogy and content. While SMAR challenges us (teachers) to push the boundaries of what is possible if we redefine our learning activities using technology.