Focus Area

Computer Science & STEM

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

Building and supporting CS & STEM educators and innovative programs

Through our partnerships and connections to computer science (CS) educators across the state, we strive to make integrating CS and STEM learning and achieving standards-based compliance an empowering experience for all educators and school districts.

The Illinois State Board of Education defines computer science as the study of computers and algorithms, including their principles, hardware and software designs, implementation, and impact on society. Computer science does not include the study of everyday uses of computers and computer applications, such as keyboarding or accessing the internet. Notably, this is different from computer literacy, “one’s knowledge of and ability to use computers and related technologies efficiently and effectively. More specifically, [it] includes knowing what constitutes a computer, the uses and applications for computers, and the impact of computers on society.”

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Services

Computer Science & STEM Services

Free and low-cost services and trainings geared toward building STEM teaching capacity and computer science curriculum integration.

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Legal Database

Professional LearningService

Webinars

Database

Computer Science Resource Database

Consultations

STEM Lab / Makerspace Consulting

Professional Learning

State Fair STEAM Expo

Consultations

Computer Science & Literacy Consulting

PartnershipsService

Code.org Regional Partnership

Professional LearningService

Custom PD for Districts and Schools

Cooperative

ILTPP Purchasing Cooperative

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Resources

Computer Science & STEM Resources

Lesson plans, curricula, and guides for crafting robust STEM programs and meeting computer science teaching standards.

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Organizations

CS4IL

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Organizations

Computer Science Teachers Association

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Organizations

CS for All Teachers

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Curriculum & Lesson Plans

ISBE’s Computer Literacy: Knowledge and Skill Development Continuum

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Best Practices

ISBE’s Computer Science Courses and Assignability Recommendations

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Resource Collections

ISBE’s Computer Science Resources

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Standards

Illinois Computer Science Standards

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Best Practices

Legislative Brief: Computer Science in Illinois

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Upcoming Events

Computer Science & STEM Events

Drones in the Classroom

| $135

Come discover what it takes to bring drones into the classroom as a part of this hands-on workshop.

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

ROE #1 Tech Networking Meeting

| Free

Join your fellow area technology coordinators, directors, administrators, and tech coaches as we discuss shared experiences, questions, and ideas relating to edtech topics and trends. While each meeting may open with a guest or demonstration, participant contributions and concerns will drive each month’s conversation.

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

Be Connected: SPF, DKIM, DMARC for Google and M365

| Free

Join us on this week’s Be Connected, where we’ll be discussing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These three authentication methods can prevent outsiders from sending emails as your email domain, including through both Microsoft 365’s Outlook and Google’s Gmail. Tune in to learn about all three methods, including how to configure them and how to monitor them as part of a long-term cybersecurity plan.

Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
Cybersecurity Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details
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From Our Blog

Learn more about computer science & STEM

Recent blog posts highlighting new STEM resources, partnered training opportunities, and the latest standards guidance.

STEM

Highlights from the 2022 Illinois State Fair STEAM Expo

The 2022 Illinois State Fair may be over, but we had such a great time participating in this year’s Tech Prairie STEAM Expo. Check out these highlights from our 4-day STEM Playground, including drone racing,

Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
AR/VRGoogleGoogle SlidesInstructional Technology CoachingMakerspaceProfessional LearningRoboticsSTEM

Everything We Loved & Learned at ISTELive 22

Just 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

LTC Staff
LTC Staff
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Learning SpacesNew TeacherProfessional LearningSocial Emotional Learning (SEL)

7 EdTech Books to Add to your Summer Reading List

Still 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

Matt Jacobson
Matt Jacobson
Online Learning Coordinator, Learning Technology Center
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Computer Science Professional Learning

Code.org Regional Partnership

Through our Code.org partnership, Illinois educators can obtain high-quality CS professional development and curricular resources – often for little-to-no cost. You can also develop the expertise needed make CS learning accessible at any grade level using their ever-growing library of projects and teaching tools.

More than two million teachers have brought CS learning to their classroom through Code.org. Learn more about how Code.org can help you and your district grow CS teaching capacity starting today.

Code.org Regional Partnership