Introduction

The concept of SMART learning objectives, an acronym encompassing Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals, has become deeply ingrained in contemporary educational practices (Marken & Walsh, 2023). These well-defined objectives provide a clear roadmap for both educators and students, guiding instructional design and facilitating targeted learning outcomes (Singapore Management University, n.d.). The widespread adoption of SMART objectives in lesson planning is evident in the abundance of resources available to educators, ranging from AI-powered lesson plan generators like Boardmix to free downloadable templates and comprehensive guides available online (Canva, n.d.). These resources reflect the emphasis placed on structuring lessons around clearly defined objectives that are attainable within a specific timeframe, contributing to more effective teaching and learning experiences.

In today's digital age, educators have access to a number of online resources designed to simplify lesson planning and enhance the teaching and learning experience. As the demand for effective and engaging lesson plans grows, tools like Canva, Google Classroom, Edmodo, and Boardmix have emerged as essential allies for teachers. These platforms not only provide templates and organizational structures but also facilitate collaboration and communication among educators and students. This article delves into the functionalities and user experiences of each resource, examining how they assist educators in crafting SMART objectives and implementing AI-generated lesson plans effectively in real classroom settings. By exploring the strengths and unique features of each tool, we aim to provide educators with insights that can enhance their lesson planning processes and ultimately improve student outcomes.

Canva's Lesson Plan Maker

Canva's lesson plan maker is a powerful tool that streamlines the process of creating engaging and visually appealing lesson plans. The platform offers a user-friendly interface that allows educators to easily navigate through various templates tailored for different subjects and grade levels. Users can select from a plethora of pre-designed layouts, which can be customized with their own text, images, and colors. This functionality not only saves time but also enhances the visual appeal of lesson plans, making them more engaging for both teachers and students.

One of the standout features of Canva is its drag-and-drop functionality, which allows users to effortlessly place elements on the page, ensuring that the lesson plan is organized and easy to read. Additionally, Canva provides a range of design elements, such as icons, charts, and illustrations, that educators can incorporate to clarify concepts and objectives. The platform also facilitates collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on a single lesson plan in real-time. This collaborative aspect is particularly beneficial for educators working in teams or those seeking feedback from peers. Overall, Canva's lesson plan maker empowers educators to craft SMART objectives with clarity and creativity, making lesson planning a more enjoyable and productive experience.

Edmodo

Edmodo is a versatile online resource designed to enhance the educational experience by providing tools for lesson planning and collaboration. Its user-friendly interface allows educators to create and share lesson plans while connecting with students and parents. The platform features a dashboard that organizes assignments, resources, and communications, making it easy for teachers to manage their classes efficiently. Edmodo's lesson plan functionality includes customizable templates that help educators outline their objectives, activities, and assessments in alignment with SMART goals.

One of the notable aspects of Edmodo is its emphasis on community and collaboration. Teachers can create groups for their classes, facilitating discussions and interactions among students. This feature encourages peer learning and fosters a supportive learning environment. Additionally, Edmodo allows educators to share resources and best practices with colleagues, promoting professional development. The platform also includes assessment tools that enable teachers to gauge student understanding and adjust their lesson plans accordingly. By integrating these functionalities, Edmodo empowers educators to develop lesson plans that are not only structured and clear but also adaptable to the diverse needs of their students, ensuring that SMART objectives are effectively met.

Boardmix

Boardmix is an innovative online resource that provides educators with a collaborative platform for crafting lesson plans and SMART objectives. Its interactive interface allows teachers to create visual lesson boards that can include text, images, videos, and links, making it a versatile tool for lesson planning. The platform supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same board simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for educators who want to brainstorm ideas together or seek input from colleagues while developing their lesson plans.

One of the standout functionalities of Boardmix is its ability to integrate various multimedia elements into lesson plans. Educators can easily embed videos or images to illustrate concepts, making the content more engaging for students. The platform also allows for the organization of materials into different sections, which helps in structuring the lesson effectively. Additionally, Boardmix includes templates specifically designed for SMART objectives, guiding educators in formulating clear and measurable goals. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to rearrange elements, ensuring that lesson plans are not only functional but also visually appealing. Overall, Boardmix serves as a dynamic tool that enhances the lesson planning process, fostering creativity and collaboration among educators.

Comparison table summarizing the key features of Canva, Google Classroom, Edmodo, and Boardmix:

This table provides a clear overview of how each platform supports educators in lesson planning and the creation of SMART objectives.

Conclusion

When evaluating the doability of lesson plans provided by Canva, Google Classroom, Edmodo, and Boardmix, it's essential to consider how easily educators can implement AI-generated lesson plans into real classroom settings. Each platform offers unique functionalities that cater to different teaching needs, but some stand out in terms of practicality and ease of use.

1. Canva: Coming first in, Canva offers visually appealing templates that can enhance lesson plans. The drag-and-drop functionality allows for quick customization, making it easy for teachers to adapt AI-generated content. However, while Canva is excellent for design, it lacks the integrated classroom management features that Google Classroom provides.
2. Boardmix: In second place, Boardmix offers a collaborative and interactive platform that is beneficial for brainstorming and creating visually engaging lesson plans. Its real-time collaboration feature is a strong asset, but its implementation in a structured classroom setting may require additional organization compared to Google Classroom.
3. Edmodo: While Edmodo provides a solid platform for lesson planning and community interaction, it ranks fourth due to its less intuitive interface and fewer multimedia integration options compared to the other platforms. Although it supports structured lesson planning, it may not be as straightforward for teachers to implement AI-generated plans effectively in real lessons.

Google Classroom leads in terms of practicality for real classroom application, followed closely by Canva for its design capabilities. Boardmix offers excellent collaboration tools, while Edmodo, despite its strengths, falls slightly behind in ease of implementation. Ultimately, the choice of platform will depend on individual educator needs, but those seeking seamless integration of AI-generated lesson plans into their teaching will find Google Classroom to be the most effective option.