Connecting through ISTE standard 4.2

ISTE Standard 4.2 encourages coaches & educators to better connect using the ISTE Standards for Educators and the ISTE Standards for Students. It emphasizes professional learning, engagement in professional learning networks, and establishing shared goals with educators. At Teach Tech Tour Coach, we help coaches seek professional learning (i.e., serving as a model for leaders/educators) to actively participate/pursue professional learning and engage in professional learning networks to enhance their practices based on emerging innovations/technology in pedagogy/learning sciences, and by establishing shared goals with educators toward success (ISTE, 4.2.a-c).

One advantage of using a virtual learning environment pertains to small school districts who cannot afford to offer face-to-face courses that are advanced in specific subjects like advanced mathematics, physics, and world history/culture (Maloy et al., 2016). In a time of tightening of budgetary restrictions, school districts must justify spending money on advanced curriculum that is offered to small numbers of students (Maloy et al., 2016). Hiring teachers to teach advanced subjects is expensive, so online learning where students can meet other students from around the country and world can be a good way to introduce students to different people/cultures (Maloy et al., 2016). Another advantage is the flexibility of virtual learning in that families/students can access virtual classes/schooling anytime and anywhere. This allows students to move through the online learning classroom venues/assignments quickly when subjects are not difficult for students and slowly when subjects are difficult (Maloy et al., 2016). Maloy et al. (2016) related that the population of online students consists of students having medical conditions or mobility issues, students who are gifted/talented desiring academic challenges, and students who desire to spend more time in pursuits of the arts or sports.

Disadvantages of using a virtual learning environment include claims that students achieve lower test scores, suffer socially/academically from lack of face-to-face social interactions with teachers/students, and fail to have opportunities/environments that encourage communication, collaboration and cooperation (Maloy et al., 2016). Lynch (2017) offers low-cost solutions to these types of challenges to include creating discussion boards/forums (i.e., posting/sharing of stories, assignments, and discussing topics), utilizing simulations that make points/reinforce concepts (i.e., flight simulation of Amelia Earhart’s flight), incorporating Google Cardboard (i.e., made of cardboard/allows students to feel like they are experiencing an event), finding and using free Apps (i.e., do research to make sure they are free), implementing Lecture Capture (i.e., professors record lectures so students can watch/do commentary later) (Lynch, 2017). Teachers who teach virtually must be careful to create community agreements and research these solutions before using them (Lynch, 2017).

References

Lynch, M. (2017). 10 Habits of tech-savvy teachers. The Tech Edvocate.    https://www.thetechedvocate.org/10-habits-tech-savvy-teachers/b

Maloy, R. W., Verock, R. E. A., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2016). Transforming learning with new technologies. Pearson. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/9780135772843/epub/OPS/xhtml/toc.html#page_766

Platforms and Learning Management Systems

Georgarakou and Raouna (2025) recommend utilizing online platforms that offer more than traditional learning management systems (LMS) that offer marketing community-building tools, and sales to help meet business needs and deliver educational content:

• Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) MOOC.org provides various free courses online to provide flexibility in learning new and innovative skills
• Students edX offers a variety of online courses from leading educational institutions
• Instructors Open edX offers education resources that may not find resources affordable and is free to join
• Udemy and Coursera offer teachers ways to upload/sell courses without having to manage a website but may have limited pricing and branding restrictions
• Canvas Network offers professional development for educators and courses in various languages.

Choosing an online learning platform is dependent upon branding and customization, options for monetization, features related to engagement, integration and scalability, pricing and value, along security and support, but mobile first and security are mandatory ( Georgarakou & Raouna, 2025). For school districts, cost and service are usually the most scrutinized portion of choosing and LMS, so getting input from staff, users, and board members is essential before choosing.

Overcoming challenges in connected learning

One of the most significant hurdles coaches face is gaining buy-in for technology use from both leaders and educators. Teach Tech Tour Coach provides strategies and support to overcome this challenge, ensuring successful implementation of ISTE Standard 4.2 by creating collaborative solutions that work for educators. We pride ourselves on our adaptability and commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service. Explore what we have to offer and how we can contribute to your success.