LTC Blog

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

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
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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 Specialist, 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
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 Specialist, 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 Specialist, 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 Specialist, 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 Specialist, 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

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

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
New TeacherProfessional Learning

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

Matt Jacobson
Matt Jacobson
Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
CertificationGoogleGoogle Level 1Google Level 2

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

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
CybersecurityDigital CitizenshipDigital Literacy

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

Nicole Zumpano
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center
CybersecurityData PrivacySOPPA

Data Privacy Resources for 2021 and Beyond

In recognition of Data Privacy Day, the LTC team has gathered some of our most popular data privacy and cybersecurity resources into one place. Check out each of these overviews, online classes, and more if

“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,

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center

“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