LTC Blog

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

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
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Micro-credential

Microcredentials: A New Frontier in Professional Learning

The 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
Matt Jacobson
Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center

Inaugural LTC Award Winners Announced

The 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
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
Classroom Integration

Don’t DIS my ABILITIES! – Learning Disability Awareness Month

October 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
Patricia Ferris
Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center
Cybersecurity

4 Cybersecurity Tips for School Staff & Students

Each 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
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationNetworkingProfessional LearningTechnology Infrastructure

Discover New Possibilities @ IETC 2022

New 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
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
STEM

Highlights from the 2022 Illinois State Fair STEAM Expo

The 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
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
PodcastsProfessional Learning

Top 4 Podcasts for Teachers and Coaches

Podcasts 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
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
AccessibilityGoogleGoogle DocsGoogle SlidesInstructional Strategies

Google Workspace for Education Updates You Can Use This School Year

While 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
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Technology Policies and Leadership

School Law Update: Top Tech Issues for the 2022-23 School Year

Hey, 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
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
AR/VRGoogleGoogle SlidesInstructional Technology CoachingMakerspaceProfessional LearningRoboticsSTEM

Everything We Loved & Learned at ISTELive 22

Just 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
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Learning SpacesNew TeacherProfessional LearningSocial Emotional Learning (SEL)

7 EdTech Books to Add to your Summer Reading List

Still 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
Matt Jacobson
Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
New TeacherSocial Emotional Learning (SEL)

3 Ways to Relieve Tech Fatigue for Teachers

Feeling 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
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationGoogleGoogle DriveMicrosoft

4 End-of-Year Tech Tips to Prepare for Summer

Summer 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
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationNetworkingProfessional LearningTechnology Policies and Leadership

Lead the Conversation! Submit an IETC 2022 Proposal

Proposal 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
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Computer LiteracyDigital Citizenship

Share What Works in Digital Literacy @ #DigLitCon

Mark 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
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
CertificationMicrosoft

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

3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today

As 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
Matt Jacobson
Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationCode.orgComputer Science (CS)

Bring Computer Science to Your Students with Code.org Trainings & Free Curricula

Right now, computing is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. But in order for today’s students to make the leap into the field, their teachers must lay the right groundwork. Code.org’s

Brian Bates
Brian Bates
Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning, Learning Technology Center
AccessibilityLegal Issues

Illinois’ New Digital Accessibility Law – What Education Leaders Need to Know about HB 26

Effective August 1, 2022, HB 26 requires 3rd party curriculum content to achieve Level AA accessibility conformity, as outlined in the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (W3C WCAG). Learn more about these

Matt Jacobson
Matt Jacobson
Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
AccessibilitySpecial Education

3 Tips for Making Digital Learning More Accessible

While digital learning has opened new opportunities for students to grow, not all students can engage with digital content by default. These 3 tips can help you make your digital learning content more accessible to

Matt Jacobson
Matt Jacobson
Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
CybersecurityData PrivacySOPPA

Stay Ahead of Tomorrow’s Digital Threats at SecurED Schools

At SecurED Schools, you can take the first step toward addressing new vulnerabilities and securing your district’s digital future. Take a peak at this year’s schedule, which includes over 40 local, state, and national experts

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center