If we are truly going to prepare the students of today for their rapidly changing technological futures, we have to be diligent in our efforts to make sure technology is woven seamlessly into our learning environments.  Our learning environments, not their learning environments.  Exposure to tech tools should not be isolated to a single class period or activity. It should also not be limited to something teachers use exclusively with students, but not with other teachers, or for their own learning. 

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          As mobile device access in schools increases for both teachers and students, what does this mean for the teachers who have been hesitant or nervous about using tech tools? What about the teachers who have desperately sought devices and suddenly have increased access?  What about the super "techie" teachers who always seem to be ahead of the curve?  Time for professional development.  Here's the list of dates and topics that will be covered, all together at the same pace.  See you there.  

          Instead of professional development, let's consider a shift to professional learning.  Professional learning must be designed to provide engaging, active, just right, just in time, personalized learning with layers of support and a timeline that allows for practice and growth.  Blended and online professional learning opportunities could be a solution to provide ongoing support to teachers and staff at the level they need.  Some teachers like to tinker, play and discover on their own as long as they have their eye on a target.  Some want touch points and reassurance along the way.  Others want a co-pilot to feel secure. 

          Ultimately, it doesn't matter where any one begins, as long as the learning goal for everyone is “move forward at your own pace, but move forward (CEA, 2016, p.23).”  Want more information about my professional learning plan?  Check out the infographic below and click on the pictures/titles for additional details.