Inaugural LTC Award Winners Announced
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS – The Learning Technology Center today announced the winners of the inaugural LTC Awards. Developed to celebrate Illinois’ edtech innovators, the LTC Awards recognize PK-12 initiatives and organizations for their outstanding contributions to empowering educational change through technology.
This year’s winners lead initiatives and projects that transformed learning experiences by increasing accessibility and engagement. All of these projects also reflect a broad focus on improving learning by intentionally embracing technology, both as a solution and as a goal.
“Our judges and myself were delighted with the response to this year’s inaugural awards,” said Mindy Fiscus, LTC Award Chairperson. “But more than that, we’re excited to recognize these award winners and share their successes with districts across our state.”
2022 LTC Award Winners
Vision Award: Will County School District 92
Will County School District 92 has been selected as the 2022 LTC Vision Award winner for their Coding with Robotics project. Through this project, a group of 4th grade students in the district planned, presented, and implemented activities that made use of recently acquired Dash bots.
Will County SD 92’s project was selected based on its unique use of project-based learning to teach students about coding and other STEM concepts. Participants in this project also relied on problem-solving skills and organic engagement, allowing each activity to have a deeper, more memorable impact.
The LTC Vision Award recognizes innovative or exemplary projects that empower the use of technology and/or digital learning within the classroom. These projects demonstrate a clear vision of technology in education, a strong impact within their target populations, and serve as examples for other districts and teams.
Collaboration Award: Bunker Hill Community Unit School District 8
Bunker Hill Community Unit School District 8 has been selected as the 2022 LTC Collaboration Award winner for their Student Driven Career Pathways project. This project sought to make career pathways programs more accessible to their students by lowering previously-identified socioeconomic barriers.
Bunker Hill CUSD 8’s project was selected based on its innovative partner model, which provided students with the tools, resources, transportation, and employment guarantees needed to participate in a nurse training program. In its first year, the program was a full success, with all six participants graduating with both a high school diploma and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential.
Bunker Hill CUSD 8’s project was also recognized for its growth and replicability potential. In particular, the district is working to add more career pathway options to the program in fields including aviation, electrical engineering, and veterinary medicine.
The LTC Collaboration Award recognizes innovative or exemplary projects that impact multiple districts, schools, educators, and students throughout the state. These projects leverage partnerships and demonstrate a commitment to helping others beyond a single district.
Alliance Award: SHI
SHI has been selected as the 2022 LTC Alliance Award winner for their support of Will County SD 92. Throughout their multi-year relationship, SHI (an ILTPP Vendor Partner) has reliably provided district leadership with the resources, specialists, training, and pricing options needed to make technology-powered learning feasible and sustainable.
The LTC Alliance Award recognizes private sector partners who uniquely support and impact school districts through collaborations, partnerships, and alignment with student learning.
Recognician
The inaugural LTC Awards were presented during a special ceremony at the 2022 Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC).
Each winner received a physical award, on-stage recognition, and the chance to participate in a Q&A panel, while Vision Award and Collaboration Award winners additionally received four complementary IETC registration vouchers and one day of free training from the Learning Technology Center.
About the Learning Technology Center
The Learning Technology Center is an Illinois State Board of Education program that supports all public K-12 districts, schools, and educators through technology initiatives, services, and professional learning opportunities. To learn more, visit ltcillinois.org or follow us on social media (@ltcillinois on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube).
Mindy provides leadership, expertise, and support related to broadband connectivity, equipment and device access, and funding sources, including E-Rate.
Sam leads and supports the execution and growth of LTC services through the development and creation of innovative, impactful, and timely digital content.