LTC Blog

News, ideas, and insights on all of the most talked-about K-12 edtech topics

Artificial Intelligence (AI)One-to-One Podcast

Developing Human and AI Intelligence with Matt Miller

AI is here to stay. So, what’s next? Author and educator Matt Miller joins us to explore how AI is reshaping teaching right here, right now and remind us about keeping human connection at the heart of education.

Matt Miller
Matt Miller
Author, Speaker, and Educator, Ditch That Textbook
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Computer Science (CS)STEM

2024 State of CS Education in Illinois

This past year, Illinois has taken significant steps toward expanding K-12 student access to engaging CS education – statewide standards, funding, and professional learning opportunities.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center
3D printingComputer Science (CS)STEM

Mini Grants Awarded for Innovative Educational Technology Projects

Our inaugural edtech Mini Grants were announced at IETC 2024. Award winners are using their funds to enhance access to 3D printing, coding, digital creativity, and intergenerational learning.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
One-to-One Podcast

EdTech I’m Thankful For with Our Listeners

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re handing over the mic and interviewing teachers, coaches, and technology leaders from across Illinois about the edtech tools they’re most thankful for.

Linda DeYounge
Linda DeYounge
Program Manager of Online Learning, Learning Technology Center

2024 LTC Awards Announced

This year’s LTC Awards were announced at IETC 2024. Award winners include a multi-district connectivity initiative, a drone soccer program, and an outstanding vendor partner.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
Data Privacy

Extra Student Data Privacy Support with TEC

Protecting student data and achieving SOPPA compliance requires extra effort. We’re partnering with TEC to offe access to legal and negotiation support + over 2,000 pre-negotiated vendor agreements.

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Data Privacy

Strengthening Student Data Privacy with CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Program

Starting now, Illinois school districts can get free data privacy guidance through CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program.

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
One-to-One Podcast

Student Voice, Choice & Creativity with Eric Curts

What if we could use technology to give students more choice? Author and educator Eric Curts joins us to share how teachers can use tech to unlock student creativity and more meaningful learning experiences.

Eric Curts
Eric Curts
Author & Educator, Control Alt Achieve
One-to-One Podcast

One-to-One Season Two Preview

The One-to-One podcast is back for an exciting Season 2, featuring fresh guests and a brand-new co-host!

Check out what’s in store this month – including an interview with famed edtech innovator Eric Curts.

Professional Learning

New School Year, 4 New Online Courses

Already thinking back-to-school? Don’t wait until the bell rings to start learning. Start collaborating digitally, optimizing your Calendar settings, and sending templated emails now with these new online courses.

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
3D printingSTEM

LTC Announces Inaugural Illinois State Fair Butter Cow 3D Printing Contest Winner

The Learning Technology Center is proud to announce the winner of its first 3D printing contest. Learn about the winning student and how you can grab the miniature butter cow he designed as a souvenir

Kristi Connelly
Kristi Connelly
Marketing & Communications Director, Learning Technology Center
Purchasing

Enhancing Physical Security: 3 Solutions for Illinois K-12 Schools

While securing digital learning environments remains a priority, enhancing physical security needs to also be on every district’s radar. These trusted solutions can help protect your students and staff against the current threats and emergencies.

Amanda Bruns
Amanda Bruns
Member Engagement Manager, Learning Technology Center

Celebrating Illinois Teachers’ Dedication

Illinois teachers have been striving and achieving throughout the current school year. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s honor and recognize that dedication!

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
One-to-One Podcast

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

Ji Soo Song
Ji Soo Song
Digital Equity Advisor, U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology 
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ILTPP Announces Ambassador Program

The ILTPP Ambassador program is focused on bringing together edtech pacemakers from around the state and putting their shared wisdom into action. Meet the first class of ambassadors!

Amanda Bruns
Amanda Bruns
Member Engagement Manager, Learning Technology Center
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.

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

How to Start Recycling E-Waste with ILTPP

Every school district deals with broken or out of date devices. Don’t let your e-waste backlog pile up! Check out these 5 trusted recycling and buyback programs that can save your district time and money.

Amanda Bruns
Amanda Bruns
Member Engagement Manager, Learning Technology Center
One-to-One Podcast

Developing Digital Literacy

Today’s students need to know how to analyze and contextualize digital media to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Digital literacy can teach them how, and this week’s guest Darren Hudgins wants teachers to start

Darren Hudgins
Darren Hudgins
CEO, Think Do Thrive
One-to-One Podcast

Proposed FCC Changes & their Impact on Illinois

Changes are coming to several important FCC programs relating to funding and edtech. Tune in to learn how they’ll impact Illinois schools from program expert Mindy Fiscus.

Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
One-to-One Podcast

Reflections on IETC 2023

Catch up on what you missed at IETC 2023 with our on-site attendees interviews + a special reveal for IETC 2024’s first keynote speaker.

One-to-One Podcast

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.

One-to-One Podcast

AI & Digital Citizenship with Mike Ribble

This month, we’re welcoming Dr. Mike Ribble to discuss the role of digital citizenship and digital literacy as we all come to grips with artificial intelligence, both in society and in the classroom.