Focus Area

Digital Literacy & Citizenship

Resources, professional learning, and support for building the next generation of engaged, knowledgeable, and responsible digital citizens.

District, school, and classroom strategies & support

Digital literacy and citizenship are essential for K-12 students in our interconnected world. These skills go beyond basic tech use, encompassing the ability to critically interpret, create, and share online content across various media. Students learn to examine how digital texts promote certain viewpoints while potentially silencing others, developing crucial critical thinking skills.

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) supports educators and districts in cultivating these complex digital literacies. We provide resources and training to help teachers integrate these concepts into their curriculum, focusing on developing students’ ability to navigate, create, and critically analyze digital content. From media interpretation to responsible content creation, the LTC offers tailored strategies for both individual classrooms and district-wide implementation, ensuring students are prepared for the nuanced digital landscape they’ll encounter.

Services
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.

Professional Learning

DigLitCon Conference

September
$40+

DigLitCon is the LTC’s annual digital literacy conference.

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.

Network

LTC Online Community

Free

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

Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

Professional Learning

Webinars

Free

Register for our regular webinar series and view recordings.

Resources
Events

Helping Students Navigate Group Chat Drama

Feb 11, 2025
Free

Educators can help students learn to navigate group chat drama, one text at a time. Join us as we look into how to address drama, foster stronger interpersonal relationships, and empower students to socialize confidently.

Lauren Schoenberger
Lauren Schoenberger
Account Executive, The Social Institute

Library Media Specialist Networking Meeting

Feb 12, 2025
Free

Join the LTC’s Holly Kelly for a monthly virtual networking meeting explicitly geared to the needs of today’s library media specialists.

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

Understanding Digital Pull: Strategies for Supporting Well-Being at Home

Mar 11, 2025
Free

Healthy technology use starts at home. Join fellow parents and educators to learn how digital platforms capture young people’s attention + actionable strategies for fostering a balanced relationship with technology.

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

Library Media Specialist Networking Meeting

Mar 12, 2025
Free

Join the LTC’s Holly Kelly for a monthly virtual networking meeting explicitly geared to the needs of today’s library media specialists.

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

Library Media Specialist Networking Meeting

Apr 9, 2025
Free

Join the LTC’s Holly Kelly for a monthly virtual networking meeting explicitly geared to the needs of today’s library media specialists.

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

AI: The School Secretary’s Assistant

Apr 25, 2025
Free

Discover how artificial intelligence can streamline your communication, automate tedious tasks, and enhance your overall efficiency. Learn to leverage AI tools for managing emails, drafting documents, updating school communication systems, and even bridging language barriers.

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

Declutter Your Digital Life

Apr 28, 2025
Free

Join us to discover a tech-forward way to work smarter and increase your efficiency – no matter what your day throws at you!

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

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
NetworkingProfessional Learning

2023 Education Conferences for Teachers, Administrators & Coaches

No matter your role in education and technology, conferences remain one of the best places to explore new strategies, discover new resources, and connect with peers. Check out all of these note-worthy edtech conferences coming

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

3 Great Resources to Teach Digital Citizenship

Three websites that can help you, as an educator, prepare your students to be good digital citizens.

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

5 Things Students Should Do to Stay Safe and Secure Online

Today is Safer Internet Day, an occasion to recommit to best practices for protecting digital identity. In the spirit of this important celebration, we’re featuring a special collection of resources and recommendation geared toward helping

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

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center