IDT 7061 has changed my way of thinking about technology in the classroom. I use to think technology in the classroom was writing a research paper, or searching the web. Now, I think technology is more deeper than an internet scavenger hunt. As a PreK teacher I complete weekly lesson plans. I thought they were tedious until I took this course. This lesson planning assignment has taught me so much and I highly appreciate it.

I use to think all a lesson plan needed was the lesson objectives and content standards. Honestly, that's not even half. This course has exhibited a more effective way of creating a lesson plan. Furthermore, I know now lesson planning needs an extra touch such as Innovative thinking skills called Visible Thinking Routines, Technology Integration and 21st Century Themes. Now, I think in order to have an effective lesson plan is to have these important topics included into your lesson.

Visible Thinking Skills is a new concept to me. As a PreK teacher I will be included this routine into my lesson. I use to think my lesson planning was effective until I took this course, but now I think a lesson plan is not complete without having visible thinking routine. Visible Thinking refers to any observable representation of a person's ongoing, developing, and changing thinking and understanding of a topic.

This innovative skill is designed to keep students actively engaged with a topic by asking them to think beyond what they know. 

Technology Integration is very important to incorporate in a lesson plan. I use to think it was not that vital to student, but now I see how some websites such as Storyjumper, Shadow Puppet, Kahoot, Powtoon, Storytelling and Book Creator are all sites that can help bring a lesson or assignment to life. It creates a better visual of the assignment or lesson for students. That makes it more exciting and easier for students to follow. Which is a great attention grabber for students. Now, I think technology in the classroom is very much an important aspect to include into the lesson or assignment. 

As a professional Educator I have never heard of 21st Century Themes. After, taking this course I have learned many new concepts and routines to grab my students attention without having to constantly redirect them to pay attention. Every 21st century skills implementation requires development of key academic subject knowledge and understanding among all students. Those who can critically think and communication effectively must build on a base of key academic subject knowledge. 

I use to think lesson planning was easier than it actually is, but now I think lesson planning can be as creative as you make it. Incorporating routines and skills to help students understand the lesson while still remaining engage within the lesson and assignments. Honestly, I believe this lesson planning assignment has improved my lesson planning skills with 100% accuracy. 

References 

21CenturyLearning. 2022

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11xmPMltqhDZuuV7vrgBU7LDavSMeUBiM/view?pli=1