Computer Science & STEM
Resources, professional learning, and support for fostering robust computer science and STEM programs and knowledgeable educators.
Coding the Future: CS & STEM in K-12
Computer science and STEM education are vital for K-12 students in our tech-driven world. These fields foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while providing essential skills for future careers. They go beyond coding and math, offering a foundation in complex systems, data analysis, and logical reasoning – skills valuable across all disciplines.
Early exposure to CS and STEM helps bridge the digital divide, giving all students access to technological literacy regardless of background. This not only equips them to navigate our digital landscape but also opens doors to a wide range of high-demand career paths. By introducing these concepts early, we’re preparing students to shape the future they’ll inherit.
At the Learning Technology Center (LTC), we’re committed to supporting educators in bringing CS and STEM to their classrooms. We leverage our statewide network of CS educators to make integrating these subjects both empowering and standards-compliant for all educators and school districts. Our team provides resources, training, and practical support to help teachers feel confident in incorporating CS and STEM into their curriculum. Whether you’re looking to start a coding club, integrate computational thinking into existing lessons, or explore advanced topics in computer science, the LTC is here to guide you every step of the way.
AI4K12
The initiative is developing (1) national guidelines for AI education for K-12, (2) an online, curated resource Directory to facilitate AI instruction, and (3) a community of practitioners, researchers, resource and tool developers focused on the AI for K-12 audience. Check out the following information to learn about this initiative.
Haiku
Haiku is a role play- game that teachers students skills needed for cybersecurity. Our platform has pre-designed “missions” that teach things like Linux, Intro. to Cybersecurity and Intro. to Networking. Our platform tool, Forge, allows you to build drag and drop learning pathways. Our platform takes your pathway and creates and entire story, roles and mission around your objectives. We also provide mission development as a service to customers.
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.
IL CS Mastery Worksheet
This document is similar to the Alignment Worksheet, but can be used at the classroom level to align the standards to individual lessons or units of instruction. It includes a customizable 3-level scale to show a progression of standard mastery across the unit or course.
Integrating Computer Science Across the Curriculum with LEGO®
Join us for an interactive session on integrating computer science across the curriculum! This hands-on workshop will explain how you can boost learners’ engagement with core subjects, like ELA and Math, while incorporating computer science using the LEGO® Learning System. See why schools across Illinois lean on our ready-to-use lessons and familiar LEGO® brick to bring learning to life and address key topics within the Illinois Learning Standards.
Snap into STEM with Tactile Circuits & Snap Circuits
Come learn how at the Champaign Community Fab Lab, where we’ll explore building tactile circuitry using Snap Circuits. These colorful, user-friendly kits allow students to explore electricity, circuitry, and wiring without the hassle of soldering or jumper cables.
Stitching in Creativity with Digital Embroidery & SewArt
Digital embroidery and SewArt can brighten up your STEM curriculum, one stitch at a time. Come discover how to get started with both at the Champaign Community Fab Lab, where we’ll dig into the advantages of using different digital embroidery software to spark creative, maker-centered projects.
Integrating CS in the K-8 Classroom
Join us for an engaging workshop on integrating computer science in K-8 classrooms. Explore foundational CS concepts and learn practical ways to incorporate them across subjects. During this session we will explore Code.org CS Fundamentals and CS Connections as well as some other resources that support foundational CS concepts.
Coding Across the Curriculum with LEGO®: Elementary and Early Learning
Join us for an interactive session focused on LEGO Education Learning System, including how it can bring computer science learning to life in your classroom.
Coding Across the Curriculum with LEGO® for Middle School and Beyond
Join us for an interactive session focused on LEGO Education Learning System, including how it can bring computer science learning to life in your classroom. Through this system, students learn to work collaboratively and solve problems creatively – all while “playing” with a familiar set of tools that are easy to manage. Each session will also discuss connections to careers so you will have an innovative way to address career readiness within your districts.
Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2024 (IETC)
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.
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.
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.