Focus Area
Digital Literacy & Wellness
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.
K-12 Digital Literacy & Wellness Toolkit
The Digital Literacy & Wellness Toolkit provides a starting point for supporting responsible technology use in K–12 education, offering curated resources on district leadership, classroom instruction, and family engagement.
Resources for District Leaders
District leaders need clear frameworks and trusted resources to guide digital literacy and wellness initiatives. The following collection includes foundational definitions, community engagement strategies, and practical toolkits to support policy development, family partnerships, and district-wide implementation.
Foundational Understanding
- ISTE Digital Citizenship – ISTE
- Media Literacy Defined – NAMLE
- Digital Footprints – TeachThought.com
Awareness & Community Engagement
- Digital Citizenship Week – Common Sense Education
- Advocacy Toolkit for Parents & Individuals – Media Literacy Now (2025)
- The What and Why of Media Literacy – Illinois Media Literacy Coalition (2021)
- News Literacy Project
Community Resources
- Toolkit for Digital Citizenship – REMC (2024)
- Media Literacy Toolkit – New York State (2025)
- StopBullying.gov
- ConnectSafely.org
- NetSmartz – NCMEC
- Safe Online Surfing – FBI
- PTA Connected – National PTA
- Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking – US Department of Justice
Illinois-Specific Guidance
- Internet Safety – Illinois State Board of Education
- Public Act 095-0869 – Illinois State
Resources for Teachers & Parents
Teachers and parents play a critical role in helping students build healthy, informed digital habits. The following resources provide practical lessons, professional learning opportunities, and family-focused guides to support classroom integration and at-home engagement. Together, these tools equip educators and caregivers to foster digital citizenship, media literacy, and overall student well-being.
Foundational Understanding
- ISTE Digital Citizenship – ISTE
- Media Literacy Defined – NAMLE
Student Lessons
- Be Internet Awesome – Google
- Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum – Common Sense Education
- Digital Citizenship Lessons – ISTE
Professional Learning
- Thriving in a Digital World – LTC
- Digital Literacy in the Classroom – ISTE
- Ignition: Digital Wellness and Safety – Everfi
Parent & Educator Resources
District leaders need clear frameworks and trusted resources to guide digital literacy and wellness initiatives. The following collection includes foundational definitions, community engagement strategies, and practical toolkits to support policy development, family partnerships, and district-wide implementation.
Foundational Understanding
- ISTE Digital Citizenship – ISTE
- Media Literacy Defined – NAMLE
- Digital Footprints – TeachThought.com
Awareness & Community Engagement
- Digital Citizenship Week – Common Sense Education
- Advocacy Toolkit for Parents & Individuals – Media Literacy Now (2025)
- The What and Why of Media Literacy – Illinois Media Literacy Coalition (2021)
- News Literacy Project
Community Resources
- Toolkit for Digital Citizenship – REMC (2024)
- Media Literacy Toolkit – New York State (2025)
- StopBullying.gov
- ConnectSafely.org
- NetSmartz – NCMEC
- Safe Online Surfing – FBI
- PTA Connected – National PTA
- Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking – US Department of Justice
Illinois-Specific Guidance
- Internet Safety – Illinois State Board of Education
- Public Act 095-0869 – Illinois State
Teachers and parents play a critical role in helping students build healthy, informed digital habits. The following resources provide practical lessons, professional learning opportunities, and family-focused guides to support classroom integration and at-home engagement. Together, these tools equip educators and caregivers to foster digital citizenship, media literacy, and overall student well-being.
Foundational Understanding
- ISTE Digital Citizenship – ISTE
- Media Literacy Defined – NAMLE
Student Lessons
- Be Internet Awesome – Google
- Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum – Common Sense Education
- Digital Citizenship Lessons – ISTE
Professional Learning
- Thriving in a Digital World – LTC
- Digital Literacy in the Classroom – ISTE
- Ignition: Digital Wellness and Safety – Everfi
Parent & Educator Resources
Services
Resources
Resource
Resource
Best PracticesGuidance
Building Balance between Online Connections and the Offline World
Digital balance and digital wellness start at home. This parent-focused guide offers actionable insight and strategies for recognizing signs of excessive tech use, fostering self-regulating tech habits, responsibly managing social media use, and more.
Events
Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2026 (IETC)
Articles
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
Digital Literacy & Wellness
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center
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
Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
Adding Intentionality to Tech Use: Strategies for Teachers
Self-regulatory tech habits start in the classroom. These nine strategies can help you model intentional tech use and create spaces for meaningful offline connection.
Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
AI How and Why: Pairing SEL and AI to Support Student Growth
Your favorite chatbot can make social-emotional growth achievable in your classroom without extra heavy lifting. Try out these activities that encourage students to self-reflect and check-in with their feelings.
Artificial Intelligence
David Lerch
Educational Programs Coordinator, ROE 45
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.
