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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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.

One-to-One Podcast

Building STEAM with Dr. Kristen Brynteson

For our inaugural episode, we’re welcoming Dr. Kristen Brynteson from NIU to discuss her university’s STEAM Program. Later, Sarah Phelps highlights LTC resources for sparking STEM learning year-round.

Digital Equity

LTC Earns Two National Awards

The Learning Technology Center was presented with two State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Awards at the organization’s annual Leadership Summit and Ed Forum, including awards for leadership and our instructional coaching program.

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

2023 LTC Award Winners

The Learning Technology Center is proud to announce the 2023 LTC Award winners, each recognized for their broad focus on improving learning by intentionally embracing technology, both as a solution and as a goal.

Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Purchasing

4 Ways to Harness AI-Powered Learning with ILTPP Vendor Partners

Keeping up with the latest AI-powered solutions can feel overwhelming. Here are four trusted ILTPP Vendor Partners you can turn to when your district wants to harness AI to unleash creativity, enhance assessments, and more.

Amanda Bruns
Amanda Bruns
Member Engagement Manager, Learning Technology Center
Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Discover AI’s Present & Future in Education @ IETC 2023

There is a lot of buzz around AI right now – especially in the K-12 education community. At IETC 2023, you can cut through the buzz and start a conversation toward developing successful AI policies

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
Funding

Technology and Funding after the Pandemic

As stimulus funding begins to taper off, districts must prepare to financially support their tech-powered learning environment for the long term. Here are several key considerations every K-12 leader needs to take into account while

Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
Computer Science (CS)FundingSTEM

New Resource: STEM Grants & Scholarships Collection

Need some extra funds to get your next STEM initiative off the ground? Your school is likely eligible for a grant or two. Check out our new STEM grant collection to see for yourself!

Eric Santos
Eric Santos
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Chicagoland, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationInstructional Technology CoachingLeadership

Three Perspectives: Supporting Technology Integration to Enhance Student Engagement

Individual devices and apps alone cannot generate novel student engagement. It takes the effort of teachers, coaches, and administrators working in tandem to allow technology to bring out the best in students. See how in

Ami Engel
Ami Engel
Executive Director of Innovation and Science, Community Unit School District 300
CybersecurityNetworking

Cybersecurity Crisis Response Groups: How They Can Keep your District Secure

In the event of a cyber incident, who ya gonna call? Unfortunately, the Ghostbusters can’t help you here. But your friends and peers sure can. See how a cybersecurity crisis response group can keep your

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Artificial Intelligence (AI)ISTE

ChatGPT in the Classroom: 5 Strategies for K-12 Educators

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. To keep our classrooms relevant to today’s learners, we need find ways to harness its power to create robust, personalized learning experiences.

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

Esports in Education: 5 Steps to Start a Club or Team

Ready to press “start” on your school’s esports program? Here are 5 steps you can take toward launching an engaging and stable esports club or team at your school:

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

5 Tips for Growing your PLN This Year

You don’t have to go at it alone! Make this the year you grow your professional learning network using these 5 tips!

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

2023 Education Conferences for Teachers, Administrators & Coaches

No 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
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
ISTEProfessional Learning

LTC Announces Partnership with ISTE

The 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
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
Computer LiteracyComputer Science (CS)

Screen-Free CS Activities for your K-5 Classroom

Looking for screen-free ways to get your students interested in computer science? Try out these FREE resources in your K-5 classroom!

Sarah Phelps
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 Learning

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

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, 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

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, 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