NetworkingProfessional Learning5 Tips for Growing your PLN This YearYou don’t have to go at it alone! Make this the year you grow your professional learning network using these 5 tips! Nicole Zumpano Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center
NetworkingProfessional Learning2023 Education Conferences for Teachers, Administrators & CoachesNo matter your role in education and technology, conferences remain one of the best places to explore new strategies, discover new resources, and connect with peers. Check out all of these note-worthy edtech conferences coming Lisa Schwartz Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
ISTEProfessional LearningLTC Announces Partnership with ISTEThe Learning Technology Center is proud to announce two new collaborations with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) – ISTE Affiliate and PD hours for Illinois educators. Tim McIlvain Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
Computer LiteracyComputer Science (CS)Screen-Free CS Activities for your K-5 ClassroomLooking for screen-free ways to get your students interested in computer science? Try out these FREE resources in your K-5 classroom! Sarah Phelps Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center
Computer LiteracyComputer Science (CS)K-8 Books to Spark a Lifelong Passion for CS LearningComputer Science Education Week 2022 is here! Let’s celebrate with a few books you can use to get your K-8 students interested in coding and more without needing to pick up a computer. Sarah Phelps Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center
Micro-credentialMicrocredentials: A New Frontier in Professional LearningThe old “sit-and-get” method of professional development isn’t suited to the needs of today’s educators. Microcredentials are the solution because they offer teachers greater agency while growing their mastery of classroom-ready skills. Matt Jacobson Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
Inaugural LTC Award Winners AnnouncedThe Learning Technology Center today announced the winners of the inaugural LTC Awards. Developed to celebrate Illinois’ edtech innovators, the LTC Awards recognize PK-12 initiatives and organizations for their outstanding contributions to empowering educational change Mindy Fiscus Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationDon’t DIS my ABILITIES! – Learning Disability Awareness MonthOctober is Learning Disability Awareness Month, a time for educators to reflect on and grow in their understanding of students with specific learning disabilities. For tech coach Patricia Ferris, that effort has been lifelong, starting Patricia Ferris Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center
Cybersecurity4 Cybersecurity Tips for School Staff & StudentsEach October, the US recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a multi-week opportunity for everyone – including K-12 school districts – to recommit themselves to protecting digital networks and data. Here are a few quick tips to Eric Muckensturm Cybersecurity Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationNetworkingProfessional LearningTechnology InfrastructureDiscover New Possibilities @ IETC 2022New location, new events, and limitless new possibilities – that’s what’s in store for IETC 2022. Discover fresh ways to support classroom integration, develop robust technology environments, and harness edtech’s full potential during 3 keynotes, LTC Staff Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
STEMHighlights from the 2022 Illinois State Fair STEAM ExpoThe 2022 Illinois State Fair may be over, but we had such a great time participating in this year’s Tech Prairie STEAM Expo. Check out these highlights from our 4-day STEM Playground, including drone racing, Mindy Fiscus Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
PodcastsProfessional LearningTop 4 Podcasts for Teachers and CoachesPodcasts are the perfect way to expand your horizons and discover new teaching strategies from outside your district without straining your already tight schedule. Our team is full of avid podcast listeners. Here are 4 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
AccessibilityGoogleGoogle DocsGoogle SlidesInstructional StrategiesGoogle Workspace for Education Updates You Can Use This School YearWhile you’ve been enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation this summer, Google has been busy beefing up many of its most popular apps and tools. From tweaks to built-in accessibility to advances in adaptive learning, Ben Sondgeroth Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Technology Policies and LeadershipSchool Law Update: Top Tech Issues for the 2022-23 School YearHey, school administrators! The new school year is just around the corner, making now a great time to brush up on some of the legal issues facing education and technology right now. Check out this Tim McIlvain Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
AR/VRGoogleGoogle SlidesInstructional Technology CoachingMakerspaceProfessional LearningRoboticsSTEMEverything We Loved & Learned at ISTELive 22Just back from the Crescent City, the LTC team had a blast at ISTELive 22 in New Orleans. Between the big bands and beignets, they had the chance to connect with countless educators and learn LTC Staff Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Learning SpacesNew TeacherProfessional LearningSocial Emotional Learning (SEL)7 EdTech Books to Add to your Summer Reading ListStill have a little room left in your vacation-bound suitcase? Why not slip in an edtech book so that you can continue growing while you soak up some well-earned rest and relaxation. These 7 books Matt Jacobson Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
New TeacherSocial Emotional Learning (SEL)3 Ways to Relieve Tech Fatigue for TeachersFeeling fed up with your classroom’s Chromebooks? Growing tired at the prospect of learning another new app or platform? You may be experiencing tech fatigue, a real condition that can put a serious strain on LTC Staff Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationGoogleGoogle DriveMicrosoft4 End-of-Year Tech Tips to Prepare for SummerSummer break is nearly here! But before you close your laptop and hit the beach, take some time to review these timely tech tips from our team geared toward helping you get your digital devices LTC Staff Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationNetworkingProfessional LearningTechnology Policies and LeadershipLead the Conversation! Submit an IETC 2022 ProposalProposal submission is now open for IETC 2022! This is your chance to share your unique perspectives on tech integration strategies, instructional practices, tech infrastructure, and more with 800+ attendees. Plus, there are great benefits LTC Staff Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Computer LiteracyDigital CitizenshipShare What Works in Digital Literacy @ #DigLitConMark your calendars! The LTC-hosted Digital Literacy Conference is returning this fall, offering teachers, administrators, technology coaches, and library media specialists a focused opportunity to discover what works in digital literacy. Submit a proposal today LTC Staff Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
CertificationMicrosoftMicrosoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE): Is it worth all the hard work?Many educators overlook the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert certification because their school uses Google or Apple products. But MIEE has a lot to offer all educators, regardless of which apps they use. Here are 8 Lisa Schwartz Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Accessibility3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom TodayAs it stands, some digital learning tools and communications are not effectively accessible by default. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that teachers like you can make their classroom’s digital content more inclusive for all learners. Matt Jacobson Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
