Focus Area

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy

Support for classrooms and districts focused on making the most of their edtech tools, including hardware, software, and emerging solutions.

Technology in the classroom to enhance student learning

Leveraging technology to enhance student learning requires more than just the latest apps or devices. A clear, intentional integration strategy is crucial for success. At the Learning Technology Center (LTC), we provide the resources and training necessary to empower educators with cutting-edge educational technology.

Our team comprises former educators with decades of classroom experience. We understand the challenges you face, which is why we offer practical, empathetic support for technology integration. Our goal is to keep you at the forefront of educational innovation while respecting your expertise and unique classroom needs.


Services
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Professional Learning

Custom PD for Districts and Schools

Customizable

Customized edtech professional learning to meet the needs of districts and schools.

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Consulting

Education Consulting

Free

Consulting on all tech-related teaching and learning topics.

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Database

Esport Directory

A database of K12 esport teams in Illinois.

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Professional Learning

IETC Conference

November
$175+

The Illinois Education and Technology Conference, held annually in Springfield, brings together educators and tech experts to explore innovative teaching methods and leverage technology for enhanced learning statewide.

Service
Service

Instructional Technology Coaching Program

Year-Long
Customizable

High-quality and embedded instructional technology coaching throughout the entire year.

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Network

LTC Online Community

Free

A free online community for educators, admin, and technology leaders.

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Professional Learning

Online Courses

Free and Paid

Self-guided professional learning that supports educators’ use of digital tools for teaching and learning.

Professional Learning

Online Courses

Free & Paid

Online courses focusing on educational technology trends and best practices in a format that fits educators’ busy schedules.

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Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

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Professional Learning

Webinars

Free

Register for our regular webinar series and view recordings.

Resources
Resource
Activity

Leprechaun Coding with Partners (Docs)

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Best Practices

Principles for Supporting Meaningful Tech Integration

International and strategic integration can ensure technology enhances, not replaces, student-centered learning. This resource highlights five tech integration principles that can amplify authentic tech-powered learning.

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Guidance

Connecting Strategic Goals to Instructional Technology Coaching

Embracing technology isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity. See how an instructional technology coach can help bring your district’s technology utilization goals to life.

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Video

LTC Community Orientation Videos

Video tutorials on navigating the LTC Community, the LTC’s free professional learning community.

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Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

Conversations from the heart of education and technology with Brian and Matt.

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Handout/Worksheet

Esports Program Checklist

Empower Your New Esports Team at your School with Our Comprehensive Checklist! Unveil the potential of your budding esports squad using this all-inclusive checklist. From recruitment and practice schedules to team branding, our checklist ensures

Resource
Video

Five End-of-Year Tech Activities | LTC Monthly Tech Tip Video | May 2023

Check out these five end-of-year tech activities that will keep your students engaged and productive until the last day of the school year!

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Resource Collections

3D Printing Resources

Technology Integration is fundamental for an effective digital learning experience, here’s an Infographic with 8 digital skills every teacher needs to know along side with the best programs to support them!

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Resource CollectionsTools and Apps

8 Digital Skills Every Teacher Needs

Technology Integration is fundamental for an effective digital learning experience, here’s an Infographic with 8 digital skills every teacher needs to know along side with the best programs to support them!

Resource
Video

Tips to Enhance Google Classroom to Save You & Your Students Time! | LTC Tech Tip | Part 1

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Video

Re-Engaging Students with Transferrable Teaching and Learning Practices

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Video

At a Glance: Simple Tips to Organize in Color with Google Workspace | Monthly Tech Tip

Events

Drones in the Classroom: Coding, STEM, and Preparing for the Future

Jun 10, 2025
$233

The use of drones is rapidly expanding across various industries, presenting new and exciting opportunities for students to engage in STEM learning and develop skills relevant to the future workforce. This hands-on workshop will explore

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center

One Small Step for AI, One Giant Leap for Educators

Jun 11, 2025
Free

Join us for an engaging session that will take you through a brief history of AI, highlighting its evolution and current advancements, particularly in generative AI. We’ll delve into the concept of AI literacy, providing

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

AI 2.0: Master AI Teacher Tools and Image Creation

Jun 12, 2025
$40

Dive into the world of AI-driven education with this hands-on workshop. Explore cutting-edge tools like Brisk Teaching and Magic School, designed to streamline your teaching workflow and enhance student engagement. Discover how to leverage AI

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

AI for Administrators: Boosting Efficiency and Streamlining your Workday

Jun 18, 2025
Free

This workshop is designed for district-level administrators who are eager to learn how to leverage the power of AI for increased efficiency and productivity. We’ll move beyond the theoretical and dive into practical applications of

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Computer Science (CS)

CS PD Week 2025

Jun 23, 2025
$400 – $1200

Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 5-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district.

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

Area 6 AI Summit

Jun 25, 2025
$100

Come discover AI’s current and future role in education during the Area 6 AI Summit, hosted by the Learning Technology Center, ROE 12, ROE 13, ROE 20, ROE 21, and ROE 30.

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

AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Future-Proofing your Classroom

Jul 9, 2025
$35

AI isn’t making our current classrooms obsolete. But if we harness this new tool for learning now, we can future-proof our classrooms and better prepare our students for many evolving learning paths ahead.

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

Working Smarter with AI

Jul 15, 2025
Free

Join us for a hands-on workshop for educators ready to advance their AI journey. We’ll cover the basics of AI, its impact on education, and practical classroom applications. Through group discussions and activities, you’ll explore

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center

An Educator’s Guide to Canva

Jul 16, 2025
Free

This hands-on session will guide you through using Canva’s templates presentation tool, the whiteboard, and docs for lesson plans and student collaboration. Through group discussions and activities, we will explore Canva’s Magic Studio tools like

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center

Unleash Student Creativity with Digital Storytelling in Canva

Jul 22, 2025
Free

What if you could tap into the captivating world of TikTok and YouTube to bring your lessons to life? This workshop explores the art of digital storytelling in the classroom. Learn how to guide your

Emily Flach
Emily Flach
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern Region, Learning Technology Center

Hey Google! Help Me Design Creative Lessons

Jul 30, 2025
$40

In this session, we’ll focus on how you can create interactive assignments and collaborative projects using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings. Along the way, we’ll also highlight practical strategies you can use to elevate

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

What’s New with AI in Education?

Aug 5, 2025
$10

Discover how artificial intelligence is influencing today’s classrooms and learn practical ways to integrate it into your teaching. This workshop offers a clear look at key AI trends, from tools that personalize learning and support

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

“That’s a wrap!” – Highlights from IETC 2020

The 27th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) wrapped up on Saturday, November 21. This year marked the conference’s first venture into the virtual realm, with all sessions, workshops, and networking held online. Read

“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
AR/VRNetworkingProfessional LearningRobotics

“Keeping it real with real educators” – Takeaways from IETC 2021

The 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,

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Virtual PD Event

With this new style of virtual professional development, there is a clear learning curve. Here are the top 10 tips to help you make the most of your next virtual conference.

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

12 Days of Resources for Parents and Caregivers

During this holiday season, the SPARK program wants to offer you a gift – 12 great resources for facilitating successful remote learning in your home. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to check back daily for

Colleen Kaplan
Colleen Kaplan
Senior Customer Trainer for EDU and small business accounts, Microsoft

2021 Remote Learning Conference – Registration Now Open

It’s time to design, engage, and enhance remote and hybrid learning in Illinois! Registration for the LTC’s Remote Learning Conference is now open.

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center