Participate in Professional Learning Networks

Coaches should actively participate in professional learning networks to enhance coaching practice and keep current with emerging technology, innovations in pedagogy and the learning sciences. 

A coach should participate in professional learning networks to develop their coaching, and keep current with new technology, modern pedagogy, and research, with the goal of implementing learning innovations and improving instructional practice. Online learning communities are an excellent resource for micro-learning and professional development, as well as for building relationships and sharing ideas.

ISTE Standard for Coaches 4.2b says that coaches should actively participate in virtual, blended or in-person communities to enhance coaching practice and keep current with the following: using new technologies or using existing technology in new ways; shifts in teaching and learning, such as increased personalisation, real-time or asynchronous collaboration, authentic projects with experts and real-world data, providing immediate feedback using digital tools, competency-based assessments and data analysis tools; and the learning sciences, which are an interdisciplinary field bringing together research into cognitive, social and cultural psychology, neuroscience and learning environments, among others, with the goal of implementing learning innovations and improving instructional practice. 

 It is not difficult to connect with people from all over the word, and multiple platforms support connectedness. There are many learning communities online associated with Microsoft and opportunities to engage in Microsoft MIEE, Microsoft Certified Coach Teams and Showcase Teams calls and posts. When you search there are also many communities to join on X and LinkedIn.

Coaches can learn from joining these communities, but the key is to actively participate. Did you ‘like’ a post and can you add any value? Can you comment on a social media post and say what resonated with you? Are you brave enough to ask a question on a Teams call? Do you have any constructive feedback to offer?

Coaches need to be role models for learning if they hope to encourage greater learning in others.