AccessibilityAssessmentGoogleGoogle Workspace for Education Updates You Can Use This School YearWhile 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, Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Technology Policies and LeadershipSchool Law Update: Top Tech Issues for the 2022-23 School YearHey, 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Instructional Technology CoachingProfessional LearningEverything We Loved & Learned at ISTELive 22Just 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Professional Learning7 EdTech Books to Add to your Summer Reading ListStill 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)3 Ways to Relieve Tech Fatigue for TeachersFeeling 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Classroom Integration4 End-of-Year Tech Tips to Prepare for SummerSummer 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationNetworkingProfessional LearningTechnology Policies and LeadershipLead the Conversation! Submit an IETC 2022 ProposalProposal 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Computer LiteracyDigital CitizenshipShare What Works in Digital Literacy @ #DigLitConMark 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
CertificationMicrosoftMicrosoft 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Accessibility3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom TodayAs 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. Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Classroom IntegrationCode.orgComputer Science (CS)Bring Computer Science to Your Students with Code.org Trainings & Free CurriculaRight 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 Director of Professional Learning, Learning Technology Center
AccessibilityLegal IssuesIllinois’ New Digital Accessibility Law – What Education Leaders Need to Know about HB 26Effective 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 LTC Staff LTC Staff, Learning Technology Center
Accessibility3 Tips for Making Digital Learning More AccessibleWhile 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 Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
CybersecurityData PrivacySOPPAStay Ahead of Tomorrow’s Digital Threats at SecurED SchoolsAt 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 Chris Wherley Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
NetworkingProfessional LearningPack your Bags for these 2022 Education Conferences!Whether in-person or virtual, conferences are a great way to network with fellow educators and learn a lot about the latest education developments and best practices. There are numerous education conference on the calendar for Lisa Schwartz Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
“Keeping it real with real educators” – Takeaways from IETC 2021The 28th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) wrapped up on November 19 after three days packed with exploring edtech’s latest integration strategies and best practices. Read up on highlights from this year’s conference, LTC Staff LTC Staff, Learning Technology Center
Google ClassroomYouTubeEmbrace Enhanced Security & Accessibility with New Google Classroom & YouTube UpdatesAs we roll through the final months of 2021, Google continues to put out fresh updates that can help your classroom hit the ground running next semester. Read all about their upcoming security and accessibility Ben Sondgeroth Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
GoogleGoogle DocsGoogle DriveGoogle SheetsCollaborate Efficiently with Updates for Google Docs, Sheets, and DriveMonth after month, Google continues to roll out updates and improvements designed to enhance their users’ experience – including those of students and teachers in the education sphere. Take some time to learn about their Ben Sondgeroth Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Harness EdTech’s Renewed Potential at IETC 2021!In just under a month, educators and technology leaders from across Illinois will gather together to learn and explore while forming the connections that allow our statewide edtech community to flourish year after year. It’s Sam Fishel Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
5 Keys to Cooking Up Collaboration in the ClassroomLTC Coach Emily Pool recently learned a thing or two about collaboration while overhearing a conversation between her daughter and her friends. As it turns out, there’s only one way to qualify “done” chicken and Emily Pool Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center
Professional LearningReturn to the Classroom with New LTC Online CoursesTo kick off the back-to-school season, we’ve just launched an assortment of new online courses on Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and more. We’ve also refreshed several previous favorites, so now’s a great time to check Matt Jacobson Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
Welcome Our New LTC Team Members!The LTC has grown over the summer and welcomed in 10 new team members – including a new RETC and an assortment of new Instructional Technology Coaches. Together, they possess 150+ years of experience in LTC Staff LTC Staff, Learning Technology Center