Focus Area

Online & Blended Learning

Guidance and resources for online and blended learning

Transforming K-12 Education for the Digital Age

 

Online and blended learning are reshaping K-12 learning. These flexible models expand access to quality education, accommodate diverse learning styles, and develop crucial digital skills. They also empower tailored learning experiences that adapt to individual student needs and ensure educational continuity during disruptions.

The Learning Technology Center supports K-12 districts and educators in effectively implementing online and blended learning strategies. Our team can assist educators in designing engaging online content, selecting appropriate digital tools, and implementing best practices for virtual instruction – all based on insights from current classrooms.

Our team also provides online professional learning opportunities that support educators’ use of digital learning tools. With both instructor-led and self-guided options, educators and school leaders can count on the LTC as they strive to enhance student engagement, assessment, and learning outcomes in a digital environment.

Services
Resources
Events
Articles
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.

Database

Esport Directory

A database of K12 esport teams in Illinois.

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

Online Courses

Free and Paid

Self-guided professional learning that supports educators’ use of digital tools for teaching and learning.

Professional Learning

Webinars

Free

Register for our regular webinar series and view recordings.

Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

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

Resource Collections

3D Printing Resources

Technology Integration is fundamental for an effective digital learning experience, here’s an Infographic with 8 digital skills every teacher needs to know along side with the best programs to support them!

Resource Collections Tools and Apps

8 Digital Skills Every Teacher Needs

Technology Integration is fundamental for an effective digital learning experience, here’s an Infographic with 8 digital skills every teacher needs to know along side with the best programs to support them!

Curriculum & Lesson Plans Tools and Apps

BrainPop

Our Creative Coding feature, in partnership with Vidcode, takes a project-based approach to the teaching of coding.

It gives students a way to show what they know about a given topic – regardless of curriculum area – by coding their own projects using BrainPOP assets. We introduced the feature with four project types – Meme, Stop Motion Animation, Doodle Augmented Reality, and Newscast – with more to follow. Creative Coding was designed so that students and teachers of all subjects, even with little or no coding experience, can jump right into a scaffolded project.

Curriculum & Lesson Plans Resource Collections Tools and Apps

CK-12

CK-12 is an excellent Open Educational Resource (OER) that is free and easy to use. Digital resources include PLIX interactives and simulations, adaptive practices, study guides, and FlexBook digital textbooks. CK-12 FlexBooks are complete online platforms for assembling, authoring, and distributing standards-aligned, interactive, multi-modal educational content.

Guidance

The Return to Learn Playbook

Best Practices

Essential Agreements for Online Learning

Resource Collections

Micorsoft’s Remote Learning Resources

Resource Collections

Apple’s Remote Learning Resources

Best Practices

Google’s Teach from Anywhere

Navigating the Digital Age: Essential News and Media Skills

Oct 15, 2024
Free

Students must be able to accurately evaluate online information, both in and out of the classroom. Join us to discover practical strategies and lesson resources that build students’ news and media literacy skills while cultivating a classroom of civil discourse.

Jennifer Ehehalt
Jennifer Ehehalt
Sr. Regional Manager, Common Sense Education

Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2024 (IETC)

Nov 13, 2024
325

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.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
Professional Learning

New School Year, 4 New Online Courses

Already thinking back-to-school? Don’t wait until the bell rings to start learning. Start collaborating digitally, optimizing your Calendar settings, and sending templated emails now with these new online courses.

Networking Professional 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 up in 2023!

ISTE Professional Learning

LTC Announces Partnership with ISTE

The Learning Technology Center is proud to announce two new collaborations with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) – ISTE Affiliate and PD hours for Illinois educators.