Focus Area

Classroom Integration

Support for classrooms and districts focused on making the most of their edtech tools, including hardware, software, and emerging solutions.

Technology in the classroom to enhance student learning

Having the right apps or devices alone isn’t enough to enhance student learning outcomes. A clear, intentional integration strategy is essential too, and the LTC offers the resources and trainings needed to ensure every teacher feels empowered with the latest edtech in hand.

Our team is made up of former educators with decades of experience in the classroom. We know what it’s like to stand in your shoes, which is why we strive to offer constructive integration support that’s both empathetic and centered on keeping educators at the top of their game.

Related Services, Resources, Events, and Articles

Free and low-cost services to support teachers and districts as they integrate educational technology into their curriculum.

Services
Resources
Events
Articles
Database

Badge & Certification Directory

Database of education and edtech certifications.

Professional Learning

Custom PD for Districts and Schools

Customizable

Customized edtech professional learning to meet the needs of districts and schools.

Database

Esport Directory

A database of K12 esport teams in Illinois.

Professional Learning

Google Professional Learning

Customizable

Earn Google certification, participate in Google professional development, and receive support from the LTC, Googe’s top Illinois’ partner.

Professional Learning

IETC Conference

November
$175+

The Illinois Education and Technology Conference, held annually in Springfield, brings together educators and tech experts to explore innovative teaching methods and leverage technology for enhanced learning statewide.

Service

Instructional Technology Coaching Program

Year-Long
Customizable

High-quality and embedded instructional technology coaching throughout the entire year.

Network

LTC Online Community

Free

A free online community for educators, admin, and technology leaders.

Professional Learning

Microsoft Professional Learning

Customizable

Hands-on, problem-based learning through our Microsoft Partnership.

Network

Networking Meetings

Free

Connect, learn, and share with your colleagues from around the state at both in-person and virtual networking events.

Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

Service

Virtual Coaching for Teachers

Customizable

Receive virtual coaching for your team, school, or district from our instructional technology coaches.

Professional Learning

Webinars

Free

Register for our regular webinar series and view recordings.

Guidance

Connecting Strategic Goals to Instructional Technology Coaching

Embracing technology isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity. See how an instructional technology coach can help bring your district’s technology utilization goals to life.

Video

LTC Community Orientation Videos

Video tutorials on navigating the LTC Community, the LTC’s free professional learning community.

Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

Conversations from the heart of education and technology with Brian and Matt.

Video

Monthly Tech Tips

The LTC team monthly features their top edtech apps and strategies in a concise video, ideal for sharing with colleagues and peers.

Checklist

Esports Program Checklist

Empower Your New Esports Team at your School with Our Comprehensive Checklist! Unveil the potential of your budding esports squad using this all-inclusive checklist. From recruitment and practice schedules to team branding, our checklist ensures you cover all the bases for a successful and thrilling esports journey in your school.

Video

Five End-of-Year Tech Activities | LTC Monthly Tech Tip Video | May 2023

Check out these five end-of-year tech activities that will keep your students engaged and productive until the last day of the school year!

Resource Collections

3D Printing Resources

Technology Integration is fundamental for an effective digital learning experience, here’s an Infographic with 8 digital skills every teacher needs to know along side with the best programs to support them!

Resource Collections Tools and Apps

8 Digital Skills Every Teacher Needs

Technology Integration is fundamental for an effective digital learning experience, here’s an Infographic with 8 digital skills every teacher needs to know along side with the best programs to support them!

Video

Tips to Enhance Google Classroom to Save You & Your Students Time! | LTC Tech Tip | Part 1

Video

Re-Engaging Students with Transferrable Teaching and Learning Practices

Video

At a Glance: Simple Tips to Organize in Color with Google Workspace | Monthly Tech Tip

Video

Tips for Teaching Cybersecurity | LTC Webinar

Video

Get in the Game! Three Levels of Gamification

Video

Professional Sharing Tricks – URL Swaps in Google Docs | LTC Monthly Tech Tip

Google Certifed Coach Mentor Program

Instructional Technology Coaching Program Flyer

Guidance

Creating An Esports Team

This Infographic will give you an overview on how to start a esports team and the benefits of having one.

Guidance

Drones in the Classroom – Q&A for Curricular Integration and Funding

Why should drones be part of your school’s curriculum? What classes can drones be used in? Find answers to these questions and more (including funding and safety recommendations) in this handy guide produced by the Learning Technology Center team.

Unleashing the Power of AI in Education

Jun 11, 2024
Free

Throughout the day, attendees will hear expert insights on AI use and policy from a variety of specialists, including the LTC’s Eric Santos. Register today to ensure your classroom or school is prepared to safely and efficiently harness this multi-faceted edtech innovation.

Eric Santos
Eric Santos
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Chicagoland, Learning Technology Center

Intro to AI in the Classroom

Jun 28, 2024
Free

Join us as we cut through the AI buzz and how we can use AI platforms to personalize student learning and help you in the classroom.

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center

Canva in the Classroom

Jun 28, 2024
Free

Join us to discover the “magic” of Canva, one of the most popular graphic design tools used by professionals and amateurs alike. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, teachers will learn how to create eye-catching graphics, select appropriate fonts and colors, and manipulate images and text to create visually appealing presentations and digital teaching materials. Along the way, they’ll also discover how to use templates and pre-made graphics to save time and effort on every lesson plan.

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Computer Science (CS)

CS PD Week 2024

Jul 8, 2024
400 – 1200

Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 5-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center

A Beginner’s Guide to AI for Educators

Jul 24, 2024
Free

Join us as we cut through the AI buzz and examine the implications of artificial intelligence in an educational setting. In particular, we’ll focus on how recently released and forthcoming AI tools could impact how students learn and create going forward.

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center

Using Newsela to Enhance Literacy

Sep 9, 2024
Free

Newsela provides educators with curated instructional content that’s both engaging and innovative. With a commitment to alignment with state mandates and science of reading practices, Newsela provides a vast array of vetted materials that enrich classroom learning experiences. Through a partnership with Formative, districts can also utilize Newslea to personalize learning journeys, track progress, and drive student success effectively.

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Digital Literacy

DigLitCon 2024 Day 1

Sep 12, 2024
100

Join education stakeholders from around Illinois for a conference centered on digital literacy, with presenters offering their views on how to best integrate this new literacy into instruction across subject areas and grade levels.

Nicole Zumpano
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center
Digital Literacy

DigLitCon 2024 Day 2

Sep 13, 2024
40

Join education stakeholders from around Illinois for a conference centered on digital literacy, with presenters offering their views on how to best integrate this new literacy into instruction across subject areas and grade levels.

Nicole Zumpano
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center

Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2024 (IETC)

Nov 13, 2024
325

Learn, collaborate, and connect with fellow edtech enthusiasts and leaders during a multi-day professional learning experience ideal for collaborating one-on-one with peers and forging meaningful connections.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center

Exploring the NETP

How can districts begin to close the digital use, design, and access gaps identified in the new National Educational Technology Plan? Digital Equity Advisor Ji Soo Song walks us through this federal report, from its origins and purpose to its actionable recommendations.

STEM

9 Teaching Resources for Illuminating the 2024 Eclipse

The upcoming eclipse will be an unforgettable experience. Transform it into a learning opportunity and spark a lasting STEM passion with these resource curated by the LTC team.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI for Everyone with Dr. Monica Burns

AI has arrived in the classroom! Let’s talk about how educator can harness it for productive learning with Dr. Monica Burns + AI-enhanced apps and tools you can reach for today with Eric Santos.