Focus Area

Digital Equity

Training and consulting support for obtaining state, federal, and grant funding to help districts with access to, and improvements of, broadband connectivity, devices, and digital resources that increase equitable learning opportunities.

Working toward equitable access and opportunities for all students

 

Connectivity and digital equity are crucial in K-12 education, ensuring all students have equal access to online resources and digital learning opportunities. These factors are fundamental to closing the achievement gap, promoting inclusive education, and preparing students for a technology-driven future. Equitable access to reliable internet and digital devices enables students to engage fully in modern learning experiences, develop essential digital skills, and participate in an increasingly connected world.

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) is committed to supporting K-12 districts and educators in achieving connectivity and digital equity. We provide guidance on infrastructure planning, assist in identifying funding opportunities, and offer strategies for implementing 1:1 device programs. The LTC also helps districts develop policies and practices that ensure equitable access to digital resources both in school and at home. Through our resources and expertise, we aim to empower schools to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in the digital age.

Services
Service
Consulting

Cybersecurity Pilot Program

Free

Support for Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).

Service
Consulting

E-Rate Consulting

Free

Support for E-rate and related programs.

Service
Consulting

Education Consulting

Free

Consulting on all tech-related teaching and learning topics.

Service
Consulting

Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Support

Free

Support for Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).

Service
Professional Learning

Illinois Education and Technology Conference

November
$175+

At IETC, you’re at the center of Illinois’ edtech conversation. A must-attend event for educators inspired to lead and foster transformative, tech-powered learning experiences.

Service
Service

ILTPP Purchasing Cooperative

Free

Save money and time through ILTPP cooperative purchasing contracts.

Service
Network

LTC Online Community

Free

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

Service
Service

Mini-Grants

September
Free

Elevate technology and digital learning in your district with the Learning Technology Center’s Mini-Grant Program, offering up to $1,000 for innovative K-12 projects that enhance teaching, learning, and professional development.

Service
Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

Service
Consulting

Technology & Connectivity Funding

Free

Support for E-rate and related programs.

Service
Professional Learning

Webinars

Free

Explore live and on-demand webinars to grow your teaching toolkit and get hands-on with innovative tech tools.

Resources
Resource
Best Practices

Vendor Accessibility Compliance Email Template

Districts may collect digital accessibility compliance documentation from third-party vendors. This template helps district leaders initiate this process and communicate action items to vendors.

Resource
Best Practices

Anatomy of an Accessible Website

What does an accessible page look like? This infographic illustrates key web accessibility best practices in action, including heading structure, meaningful links, alternative text, color contrast.

Resource
Best Practices

Web Accessibility Checklist for Schools

These checklists can support a thorough digital audit and help your school track if its PDFs, videos, interactive learning tools, and website comply with WCAG 2.1 best practices.

Resource
Best Practices

Implementing Digital Accessibility in Education

Developing and maintaining digital accessibility means more than checking a box. This primer offers school leaders a simple starting point for understanding relevant best practices and current accessibility mandates.

Resource
Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

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

Resource
Guidance

Instructional Technology Coach Funding

Despite their growing popularity and research to back their efficacy, funding for coaching programs can be sparse in many districts. These funding sources can help your district start and sustain a productive coaching program using state and

Events

Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2026 (IETC)

Nov 11, 2026
$250

Learn, collaborate, and connect with fellow edtech enthusiasts during a multi-day professional learning experience for teachers, technology leaders, coaches, and K-12 leaders.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, 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,

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy

3 Keys to Remember While Finalizing your E-Rate Application

The 21-22 E-Rate Form 471 filing deadline is just around the corner on March 25, 2021. Don’t miss these important E-Rate program updates as you put the final touches on

Digital Equity
Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs and Purchasing, Learning Technology Center

3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today

As it stands, some digital learning tools and communications are not effectively accessible by default. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that teachers like you can make their classroom’s digital content

Digital Equity
Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center

Coming Soon – An All-New LTC Community Experience

In 2021, the Learning Technology Center remains committed to fostering collaboration within Illinois’ edtech community. That’s why we’re proud to announce our redesigned online Community!

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center

Developing Digital Literacy

Today’s students need to know how to analyze and contextualize digital media to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Digital literacy can teach them how, and this week’s guest Darren

Digital Equity
Darren Hudgins
Darren Hudgins
CEO, Think Do Thrive

Discover New Possibilities @ IETC 2022

New location, new events, and limitless new possibilities – that’s what’s in store for IETC 2022. Discover fresh ways to support classroom integration, develop robust technology environments, and harness edtech’s

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
LTC Staff
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center
Contracts
Contracts are facilitated by ILTPP, the LTC’s cooperative that leverages the collective buying power of Illinois K-12 schools to provide affordable, high-quality technology and digital learning resources through trusted vendor partnerships.

School Nurse Supply

Health & Wellness

AEPA 026-B |

End Date: 02-28-2027

Bluum

Technology Catalog

ILTPP-26BL04 |

End Date: 03-31-2027

Neuralign USA

Digital Resources & Instructional Materials, Health & Wellness, Instructional/Classroom Content

AEPA 026-B |

End Date: 02-28-2027

SHI: Technology Catalog

Technology Catalog

AEPA 026-D |

End Date: 02-28-2027

CDW-G

Technology Catalog

AEPA 026-D |

End Date: 02-28-2027

TinyEYE Therapy Services

Health & Wellness

AEPA 026-B |

End Date: 02-28-2027

Connect Distributors

Mobile & Cellular Connectivity

AEPA 025.5-D |

End Date: 02-28-2027

Medline Industries: Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness

AEPA 026-B |

End Date: 02-28-2027

Quill: Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness

AEPA 026-B |

End Date: 02-28-2027

School Health

Health & Wellness

AEPA 026-B |

End Date: 02-28-2027

School Specialty: Furniture

Furniture

AEPA 026-A |

End Date: 02-28-2027

Quill: Furniture

Furniture

AEPA 026-A |

End Date: 02-28-2027