Focus Area

Classroom Technology Integration

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
Resources
Events
Articles
Database

Badge & Certification Directory

Database of education and edtech certifications.

Professional Learning

Custom PD for Districts and Schools

Customizable

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

Database

Esport Directory

A database of K12 esport teams in Illinois.

Professional Learning

Google Professional Learning

Customizable

Earn Google certification, participate in Google professional development, and receive support from the LTC, Googe’s top Illinois’ partner.

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

Instructional Technology Coaching Program

Year-Long
Customizable

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

Network

LTC Online Community

Free

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

Professional Learning

Microsoft Professional Learning

Customizable

Hands-on, problem-based learning through our Microsoft Partnership.

Network

Networking Meetings

Free

Connect, learn, and share with your colleagues from around the state at both in-person and virtual networking events.

Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

Service

Virtual Coaching for Teachers

Customizable

Receive virtual coaching for your team, school, or district from our instructional technology coaches.

Professional Learning

Webinars

Free

Register for our regular webinar series and view recordings.

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.

Video

LTC Community Orientation Videos

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

Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

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

Video

Monthly Tech Tips

The LTC team monthly features their top edtech apps and strategies in a concise video, ideal for sharing with colleagues and peers.

Checklist

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 you cover all the bases for a successful and thrilling esports journey in your school.

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!

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!

Resource Collections Tools 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!

Video

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

Video

Re-Engaging Students with Transferrable Teaching and Learning Practices

Video

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

Video

Tips for Teaching Cybersecurity | LTC Webinar

Video

Get in the Game! Three Levels of Gamification

Video

Professional Sharing Tricks – URL Swaps in Google Docs | LTC Monthly Tech Tip

Google Certifed Coach Mentor Program

Instructional Technology Coaching Program Flyer

Guidance

Creating An Esports Team

This Infographic will give you an overview on how to start a esports team and the benefits of having one.

Guidance

Drones in the Classroom – Q&A for Curricular Integration and Funding

Why should drones be part of your school’s curriculum? What classes can drones be used in? Find answers to these questions and more (including funding and safety recommendations) in this handy guide produced by the Learning Technology Center team.

Google Classroom Basics for Teachers

Jul 30, 2024
Free

Bring your students’ digital learning experience to life with Google Classroom! Join us for an introductory look at this multi-faceted learning management system, including how you can use it to create and organize assignments, quizzes, discussions, grades, and more. At the same time, we’ll also explore how Google Classroom integrates with other core Google apps like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making it easy to create seamless digital lessons that are both engaging and easy to manage.

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

AI in the Classroom: Maximizing Student and Educator Potential

Jul 31, 2024
Free

Join us to discover new ways to harness AI in your classroom, both as a teaching tool and as a teaching assistant. During this workshop, we’ll explore several ways current AI tools can personalize learning for your students, through both differentiated content and personalized feedback.

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

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation

Aug 1, 2024
214

Have you considered the role AI could play in shaping the future of education at your school? This Administrator Academy aims to equip school leaders with the essential knowledge and practical tools to implement AI technologies effectively.

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

Google Slides Basics: Teachers

Aug 9, 2024
Free

Take your lessons to the next level with Google Slides! Join us to learn how to use this well-known digital tool to create engaging and interactive presentations for your classroom.

Slides can do a lot more than just make slide shows, though. During this workshop, we also explore how Slides can be used to build dynamic lessons and as a focal point for collaboration in student projects.

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

Using Newsela to Enhance Literacy

Sep 9, 2024
Free

Newsela provides educators with curated instructional content that’s both engaging and innovative. With a commitment to alignment with state mandates and science of reading practices, Newsela provides a vast array of vetted materials that enrich classroom learning experiences. Through a partnership with Formative, districts can also utilize Newslea to personalize learning journeys, track progress, and drive student success effectively.

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

DigLitCon 2024 Day 1

Sep 12, 2024
100

Join education stakeholders from around Illinois for a conference centered on digital literacy, with presenters offering their views on how to best integrate this new literacy into instruction across subject areas and grade levels.

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

DigLitCon 2024 Day 2

Sep 13, 2024
40

Join education stakeholders from around Illinois for a conference centered on digital literacy, with presenters offering their views on how to best integrate this new literacy into instruction across subject areas and grade levels.

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

Essential Digital Literacy for Teachers and Librarians

Sep 16, 2024
Free

In today’s evolving digital landscape, educators and librarians must understand various literacies to effectively support and guide their students. From general media literacy to understanding AI, this spectrum of essential knowledge is expanding, making it crucial for teachers to stay informed and adept in these areas.

Join us as we delve into the critical literacies that every modern educator needs to understand.

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Human-Centered Technology Specialist, Learning Technology Center

AI as your Teaching Superpower

Sep 24, 2024
40

Join us to discover the power of artificial intelligence and how it can enhance your daily teaching workflow. You don’t need a cape or mask to unlock these powers, either – all you need is some curiosity to unlock strategies for automating repetitive tasks and developing engaging teaching content.

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Human-Centered Technology Specialist, Learning Technology Center

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation

Oct 29, 2024
215

Have you considered the role AI could play in shaping the future of education at your school? This Administrator Academy aims to equip school leaders with the essential knowledge and practical tools to implement AI technologies effectively.

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

Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2024 (IETC)

Nov 13, 2024
325

Learn, collaborate, and connect with fellow edtech enthusiasts and leaders during a multi-day professional learning experience ideal for collaborating one-on-one with peers and forging meaningful connections.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
Professional Learning

New School Year, 4 New Online Courses

Already thinking back-to-school? Don’t wait until the bell rings to start learning. Start collaborating digitally, optimizing your Calendar settings, and sending templated emails now with these new online courses.

3D printing STEM

LTC Announces Inaugural Illinois State Fair Butter Cow 3D Printing Contest Winner

The Learning Technology Center is proud to announce the winner of its first 3D printing contest. Learn about the winning student and how you can grab the miniature butter cow he designed as a souvenir at the 2024 Illinois State Fair.

Exploring the NETP

How can districts begin to close the digital use, design, and access gaps identified in the new National Educational Technology Plan? Digital Equity Advisor Ji Soo Song walks us through this federal report, from its origins and purpose to its actionable recommendations.