LTC Blog
News, ideas, and insights on all of the most talked-about K-12 edtech topics
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Now Accepting Proposals for the Digital Literacy Conference
This summer, the Learning Technology Center (LTC) is proud to host the Digital Literacy Conference, a timely virtual gathering centered on one of education’s most relevant topics. We want you to be part of this
Jump Start your Professional Learning with a FREE LTC Online Course
No matter how you look at it, today’s educators are busy people. The LTC understands this dilemma, which is why we offer a variety of free, self-paced online courses covering topics from Google Forms and
How to Become a Google Certified Educator
Google Educator certifications are among the most popular today, particularly in this era of remote and hybrid learning. But how exactly do you become “Google Educator Certified”? You’ll find the answer and more in this
5 Things Students Should Do to Stay Safe and Secure Online
Today is Safer Internet Day, an occasion to recommit to best practices for protecting digital identity. In the spirit of this important celebration, we’re featuring a special collection of resources and recommendation geared toward helping
“A New Outlook” – Takeaways from the Remote Learning Conference
Back on Friday, January 15, the Learning Technology Center wrapped up a first-of-its-kind conference centered on education’s most recent evolution. The Remote Learning Conference marked a major leap forward for collaboration in Illinois’ edtech community,
“A Big Year Ahead” – Takeaways from SecurED Schools 2021
The 4th annual SecurED Schools conference concluded back on Thursday, January 14. Though this year’s gathering was held virtually, technology leaders from around Illinois still participated in plenty of insightful conversations about the future of