Focus Area

Computer Science & STEM

Resources, professional learning, and support for fostering robust STEM programs and knowledgeable computer science educators

Coding the Future of K-12 CS & STEM

In an increasingly tech-driven world, computer science and STEM education are vital for all K-12 students. These fields foster critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and personal agency while providing essential skills for emerging careers. Beyond coding and math, they also offering a foundation in data analysis  and logical reasoning – skills valuable across all disciplines.

The LTC is committed to supporting educators in bringing CS and STEM to their classrooms. We leverage our professional partnerships and statewide network of educators to make integrating these subjects empowering and standards-compliant – both for educators and school districts.

Our team provides resources, training, and practical support that builds capacity and confidence among CS educators. Our summer CS professional learning programs – including CS PD Week – and networking group also provide a supportive environment where educators can gather resources, connect with peers, and discover strategies for bringing STEM and CS learning to life.

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Contact our team for more information
Sarah Phelps, (618) 402-5475
Staff Directory

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Computer Science Resources CS & STEM Professional Learning CS PD Week

Support Areas

Standards and Curricula

Implement and align your CS & STEM curricula with both state and national computer science standards, ensuring high-quality learning experiences that meet educational and workforce demands.

Professional Learning and Networking

New and experienced CS & STEM educators are welcome to take part in immersive professional learning experiences and networking opportunities – all at little-to-no cost

Upcoming

CS & STEM Events

Computer Science Series: Make with Microbit: Hands-On Coding for Every Classroom

| $100

Discover how seamlessly you can weave fundamental computer science concepts into any subject, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills across your curriculum. Through exciting, hands-on maker projects, you’ll master the intuitive world of block-based coding – imagine bringing ideas to life by simply snapping together digital blocks!

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

3D Printing: Design, Slice, and Create with Tinkercad & 3D Slicers

| $40

Explore the exciting world of 3D printing in this hands-on workshop, designed for both beginners and intermediate users. We’ll start by mastering the basics of 3D design using Tinkercad, and then move on to slicing with common slicing software. Discover the essential steps to prepare your digital designs for physical creation. For those with some experience, we’ll dive a little deeper into design techniques and slicing strategies to optimize your prints, without overwhelming you with advanced technicalities. Learn how to translate your digital designs into tangible objects, gaining practical experience and confidence. This interactive session will equip you with the knowledge to bring your creative projects to life, regardless of your 3D printer.

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

3D Printing: Design, Slice, and Create with Tinkercad & 3D Slicers

| $40

Explore the exciting world of 3D printing in this hands-on workshop, designed for both beginners and intermediate users. We’ll start by mastering the basics of 3D design using Tinkercad, and then move on to slicing with common slicing software.

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

Code.org CS Fundamentals

| Free

CS Fundamentals is an introductory workshop designed for elementary educators new to teaching computer science who want to explore how to begin teaching Code.org’s CS Fundamentals curriculum. Over 85,000 teachers have participated in this original workshop already, allowing their schools to grow their in-district capacity for teaching robust CS courses!

Join your peers and experienced facilitators to get a hands-on intro to computer science, pedagogy, overviews of the online curriculum, and Code.org’s teacher dashboard, as well as strategies for teaching “unplugged” classroom activities.

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

FarmBeats for Students: Hands-On Precision Agriculture with micro:bit

| $40

Discover how to grow an organic interest in computer science FarmBeats for Students, a program that combines an affordable micro:bit-based hardware kit with a free, curated curriculum and hands-on activities.

Emily Pool
Emily Pool
Professional Learning Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details
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Supporting CS Teachers with Intensive, On-Going Support

Illinois & Missouri Code.org Regional Partner

As the Code.org Regional Partner for Illinois and Missouri, the Learning Technology Center (LTC) takes great pride in facilitating professional learning programs that significantly enhance the capabilities of both current and aspiring computer science educators. By offering scholarships, these invaluable programs become accessible at little-to-no cost, enabling educators and their districts across Illinois and Missouri to cultivate the expertise necessary for delivering a comprehensive and enriching computer science curriculum.

This collaboration underscores the LTC’s dedication to fostering educational excellence and equity, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore the vast potential of computer science.

Learn about Regional Partners