In the fast-paced world of today it is important to give students a 21st century learning environment to build the skills necessary for a 21st century workplace. To progress humanity further than it has gone in the past students will need to be able to think creatively, critically and collaborate effectively to do so. To achieve these goals technology can be used to enhance learning by incorporating them in the appropriate ways to improve the learning experience and not replace the learning experience. To discern from what tech will be useful and what would not, it is important that professionals engage in their own personal learning networks to expand their understanding and ideas of what will be useful for them. 

As a technology coach it is vital to take part in PLNs to create opportunities for helping others but also for them to learn as well. To increase the effectiveness of the coach’s PLN they must take part in professional development that highlights and employs the different uses and applications of technologies within the classroom setting. These sessions can be presented by or attended to keep them up to date with the latest trends. Keeping current with these trends not only helps the coach but helps educators keep a finger on the pulse of what is happening with the students' world as well. Knowledge is contagious and if educators take advantage of working with technology coaches and learning from others' ideas the goals of creativity, critical thinking and effective collaboration become easier to achieve with everyone working for the things that matter the most, which are the students and their futures.  

Just as standards are needed for the content areas in which we teach, it is also important to know what we are looking to promote and teach students when using different technologies. The links below are to the technology standards that are put out by the International Society for Technology in Education and the Nevada Department of Education to guide teachers on what is going to be expected for these 21st century learners to do. As teachers we do not want to toss in technology with out a particular goal in mind, so it is vital that we are using these standards to help guide our students in the correct use of technology. 

ISTE Standards: Students 

ISTE Standards: Educators 

ISTE Standards: Coaches 

Nevada Department of Education Computer Science and Integrated Technologies 

Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) are communities of professionals that come together with the goal of ongoing learning in their respective field (Morris, 2018).  This concept, while not new in the educational community with the use of teaming and professional learning communities, has been expanded with the age of information to not only include those professional in your local area but in the entirety of the world. The access to information has vastly improved since the dawn of the internet and this has given humanity to unite and share ideas faster than ever before. In education, we need to take advantage of this speed by creating a PLN that will help us keep current with emerging technology and information that is relevant in our fields. Regardless of a teacher's background or subject PLNs are essential in creating a relevant and engaging classroom for the youth of today. By having access to these PLNs, it is easier than ever to engage with professionals in the field you are teaching and have them engage with your class for a more personal experience. Not only that but you are able to keep current with the latest technology that can take your next lesson to a more engaging experience for your students.  Use the button below to go to my page on different resources you can use to start your own PLN or expand your existing one!