LTC Blog

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

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
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NetworkingProfessional LearningTools

Start the New School Year in the LTC Community

With the new school year fast approaching, you might be wondering – where can you go to ask questions, share knowledge, and download free edtech resources? That’s right – the LTC Community is the place

LTC Staff
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
GoogleInformation Technology ManagementInstructional StrategiesSOPPASTEMTechnology Infrastructure

Catch Up on the LTC’s Top Resources and Services

Whether you’re in the classroom, supporting educators, or striving to keep your district’s IT infrastructure humming, the LTC wants to help you start out the next school year with as much access to high quality

LTC Staff
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
GoogleGoogle Classroom

Learn Safer and Easier with Updates for Google Classroom, Workspace & Chrome OS

Back on June 22, 2021, Google revealed a roadmap of its upcoming product and software updates during its The Anywhere School online event. That roadmap featured a cornucopia of exciting developments, including useful enhancements for

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Copyright

Navigating Copyright and Fair Use as an Educator

Copyright, fair use, public domain – these are all terms that may sound familiar to you as an educator. But do you fully understand their impact on how you share physical and digital resources with

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center

Prioritizing your Mental Health with Summer Self-Care

With summer starting, now is a great time for all educators to perform a mental health check-in. Along the way, you should also consider adding new self-care routines to your life, both now and for

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Illinois, Learning Technology Center

LTC Receives State Achievement Award from SETDA

The Learning Technology Center of Illinois is proud to announce that it has been awarded the State Achievement Award for Professional Learning by the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA). This award recognizes the LTC’s

LTC Staff
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Professional Learning

NOW OPEN – IETC 2021 Early Bird Registration!

The future of edtech is here. Now’s your chance to harness technology’s renewed classroom potential by learning from and networking with your peers at IETC 2021. Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing!

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
Legal IssuesSOPPA

What Teachers Need to Know about SOPPA

This summer, Illinois’ new SOPPA amendments will come into force, requiring districts to meet new standards for managing and protecting student data. But what role will teachers play in this process? Learn more in this

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
E-Rate

E-Rate Emergency Connectivity Fund – What You Need to Know

On May 11, 2021, the FCC announced a finalized rule set for the administration of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), a $7.1 billion appropriation derived from the larger $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan stimulus package

Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
E-Rate

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program – What You Need to Know

Starting May 12, 2021, eligible households can apply to receive up to $50 off their monthly home internet bill through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Read on to learn about how schools and district can

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

Request for Proposals – Share your Voice at IETC 2021!

The 28th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) is on its way, bringing with it an immersive hybrid experience geared toward the professional learning needs of all educators, IT staff, and administrators. Make 2021

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
ChromebooksClassroom IntegrationGoogle

Choosing the Right Chromebook for Schools and Districts

Many schools in Illinois and around the US are interested in purchasing new Chromebooks. But which Chromebook model is best? Which model offers the best value? You’ll find answers and more in this guide to

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

Resources and Reminders for 2021 License Renewal

The Illinois State Board of Education opened the window for this year’s teacher license renewal cycle on April 1, 2021. Check out our guide full of important reminders and resources geared toward helping you renew

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

JUST RELEASED – DigLitCon Agenda is Now Live!

Big news! The Digital Literacy Conference agenda has just been released! In it, you’ll find an assortment of engaging sessions on many of the most important aspects of digital literacy. Check out these session previews

Nicole Zumpano
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center
CertificationGoogleGoogle Level 1Google Level 2Instructional Technology Coaching

How to Become a Google Certified Coach

This year, Google is premiering a brand-new certification that is geared toward helping schools and districts build and sustain their edtech integration over the long-term. Check out this guide to learn more about the Google

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

Google Announces Updates for Classroom, Meet, and More

Recently, Google announced a variety of updates for its suite of education-centered apps and services, including new functionality and accessibility features for Google Classroom and Google Meet. Check out our update digest to learn about

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

Charting a New Frontier in Literacy at #DigLitCon

Digital literacy has been on the tip of the tongue for many educators recently. This summer’s Digital Literacy Conference will help further that discourse and help educators chart a course for teaching digital literacy in

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
E-Rate

3 Keys to Remember While Finalizing your E-Rate Application

The 21-22 E-Rate Form 471 filing deadline is just around the corner on March 25, 2021. Don’t miss these important E-Rate program updates as you put the final touches on your institution’s submission.

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

Digital Literacy Conference Registration Now Open!

Exciting news! The Digital Literacy Conference is now open for registration. This one-day gathering of educators from around Illinois will offer teachers, administrators, library media specialists, and more an opportunity to engage with one of

Nicole Zumpano
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center
Online & Blended Learning

Reflecting on a Year of Digital Learning on Digital Learning Day 2021

The nature of digital learning has changed a lot over the past year. To celebrate Digital Learning Day 2021, we spoke to education stakeholders across Illinois and heard their perspectives on digital learning – both

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

New Updates for Microsoft for Education and Google Chrome Management Licensing

The Illinois Learning Technology Purchasing Program (ILTPP) has announced several updates to two of their most popular contracts. These updates will help your school or district blossom into new learning opportunities this spring and budget

Hope Hardin-Borbely
Hope Hardin-Borbely
Purchasing Cooperative Manager, Learning Technology Center