Focus Area

Classroom Technology Integration

Support for classrooms and districts focused on making the most of their edtech tools, including hardware, software, and emerging solutions.

Technology in the classroom to enhance student learning

Leveraging technology to enhance student learning requires more than just the latest apps or devices. A clear, intentional integration strategy is crucial for success. At the Learning Technology Center (LTC), we provide the resources and training necessary to empower educators with cutting-edge educational technology.

Our team comprises former educators with decades of classroom experience. We understand the challenges you face, which is why we offer practical, empathetic support for technology integration. Our goal is to keep you at the forefront of educational innovation while respecting your expertise and unique classroom needs.


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

Google Professional Learning

Customizable

Earn Google certification, participate in Google professional development, and receive support from the LTC, Googe’s top Illinois’ partner.

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.

Service

Instructional Technology Coaching Program

Year-Long
Customizable

High-quality and embedded instructional technology coaching throughout the entire year.

Network

LTC Online Community

Free

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

Professional Learning

Microsoft Professional Learning

Customizable

Hands-on, problem-based learning through our Microsoft Partnership.

Network

Networking Meetings

Free

Connect, learn, and share with your colleagues from around the state at both in-person and virtual networking events.

Professional Learning

Online Courses

Free and Paid

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

Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

Service

Virtual Coaching for Teachers

Customizable

Receive virtual coaching for your team, school, or district from our instructional technology coaches.

Professional Learning

Webinars

Free

Register for our regular webinar series and view recordings.

Guidance

Connecting Strategic Goals to Instructional Technology Coaching

Embracing technology isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity. See how an instructional technology coach can help bring your district’s technology utilization goals to life.

Video

LTC Community Orientation Videos

Video tutorials on navigating the LTC Community, the LTC’s free professional learning community.

Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

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

Handout/Worksheet

Esports Program Checklist

Empower Your New Esports Team at your School with Our Comprehensive Checklist! Unveil the potential of your budding esports squad using this all-inclusive checklist. From recruitment and practice schedules to team branding, our checklist ensures you cover all the bases for a successful and thrilling esports journey in your school.

Video

Five End-of-Year Tech Activities | LTC Monthly Tech Tip Video | May 2023

Check out these five end-of-year tech activities that will keep your students engaged and productive until the last day of the school year!

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!

Video

Tips to Enhance Google Classroom to Save You & Your Students Time! | LTC Tech Tip | Part 1

Video

Re-Engaging Students with Transferrable Teaching and Learning Practices

Video

At a Glance: Simple Tips to Organize in Color with Google Workspace | Monthly Tech Tip

Video

Tips for Teaching Cybersecurity | LTC Webinar

Video

Get in the Game! Three Levels of Gamification

Video

Professional Sharing Tricks – URL Swaps in Google Docs | LTC Monthly Tech Tip

Google Certifed Coach Mentor Program

Instructional Technology Coaching Program Flyer

Guidance

Creating An Esports Team

This Infographic will give you an overview on how to start a esports team and the benefits of having one.

Guidance

Drones in the Classroom – Q&A for Curricular Integration and Funding

Why should drones be part of your school’s curriculum? What classes can drones be used in? Find answers to these questions and more (including funding and safety recommendations) in this handy guide produced by the Learning Technology Center team.

Best Practices

4 Shifts Protocol

The 4 Shifts Protocol (formerly known as trudacot), a discussion protocol intended to help facilitate educator conversations about deeper learning, greater student agency, more authentic work, and rich technology infusion! The 4 Shifts Protocol is being used by teachers, principals, instructional coaches, and technology integrationists all over the world to make lessons, units, and instructional activities richer, more robust, and more relevant for the global innovation society in which we now live.

Taming the Email Beast: Gmail Hacks for Teachers

Jan 6, 2025
Free

This workshop explores Gmail’s powerful features, focusing on labels and filters to help you organize, prioritize, and automate your email management. Learn to tame the chaos of student, parent, and administrative emails, freeing you to focus on what truly matters: your students and your teaching.

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

TeachGPT: Turn AI into your TA

Jan 9, 2025
Free

AI development is changing education rapidly. Beyond the classroom, it may become an integral part of your students’ future careers.

Are you prepared for AI-generated essays, artwork, and presentations? Are you taking advantage of its power to become more efficient and creative in your work as an educator?

Eric Santos
Eric Santos
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Chicagoland, Learning Technology Center

Declutter Your Digital Life

Jan 14, 2025
20

Throughout this session, we’ll practice strategies that help you prioritize tasks, organize files, manage emails, collect and analyze data, and run efficient meetings – all utilizing the Google apps you’re already familiar with. In particular, we’ll focus on innovative ways to harness Google Chrome, Drive, Gmail, Calendar, and more.

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

Declutter your Google Life

Jan 15, 2025
Free

Are you looking to clean up your Drive and Gmail? Want to start the new year with a fresh, organized digital space?

Join Lisa to learn productivity tips and tricks for Google Drive and Gmail that can improve your workflow and prevent digital clutter.

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

Wired for Wellness: A Blueprint for Balance

Jan 16, 2025
Free

This workshop will explore practical ways to foster a balanced approach to technology, addressing issues such as screen time management, online safety, and digital citizenship. Participants will learn how to help students become responsible digital citizens, navigating the online world confidently and securely.

By addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by technology, we can create a healthier, safer, and more balanced learning environment for everyone. This session also recognizes the importance of educator well-being in a tech-heavy world, providing strategies for maintaining personal wellness while meeting the demands of the digital age.

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

Google Apps and Extensions to Support Executive Function and Empower Students

Jan 21, 2025
Free

Tune in to explore a range of Google apps and extensions specifically designed to support executive function, including a framework for selecting the right assistive tech to promote student independence.

Anastasia Alter
Anastasia Alter
, Infinitec

AI 101 for Educators: A Beginner’s Guide to Future-Proofing Your Classroom

Jan 27, 2025
20

AI isn’t making our current classrooms obsolete. But if we harness this new tool for learning now, we can future-proof our classrooms and better prepare our students for many evolving learning paths ahead.

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

AI Series Part 2: Image Creation and Digital Citizenship in the AI World

Jan 28, 2025
40

With the basics of AI under your belt, let’s dive deeper into AI’s uses and impact – both in and out of the classroom. During this hands-on workshop for teachers of all grade levels, we’ll explore how AI is used for image generation, as well as several AI-powered tools that streamline image generation for educational content.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

Level the Playing Field: Tech-Powered Translation Tools for ELL Success

Jan 31, 2025
40

This workshop will empower educators to leverage technology tools to support English Language Learners (ELLs). By combining hands-on experience with popular translation tools and AI-driven applications, you’ll learn practical strategies to create inclusive and equitable learning environments. Discover how to integrate AI and technology into lesson planning, assessment, and differentiation to foster collaboration, cultural exchange, and personalized learning experiences for ELL students.

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

Let’s Get Google Educator Certified – Level 1 Test Prep (Session 1)

Feb 4, 2025
25

Are you ready to take your Google skills to the next level? Join our upcoming Google Educator Level 1 workshop, designed to prepare you for the certification exam.

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

Beyond Worksheets: Audio Projects for Powerful Learning with Soundtrap

Feb 4, 2025
Free

Come discover how creative audio projects produced using Soundtrap for Education can be a powerful driver for classroom engagement, collaboration, communication, and more.

Stephanie Kortan
Stephanie Kortan
Territory Manager, Soundtrap

AI for Educators

Feb 11, 2025
Free

Join us as we dive into artificial intelligence (AI) and its incredible potential in education. This workshop offers educators an in-depth exploration of AI fundamentals, advantages, and limitations, along with invaluable insights into leveraging AI tools to elevate teaching and learning experiences in the classroom.

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

Let’s Get Google Educator Certified – Level 1 Test Prep (Session 2)

Feb 11, 2025
25

Are you ready to take your Google skills to the next level? Join our upcoming Google Educator Level 1 workshop, designed to prepare you for the certification exam.

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

AI-mazing Differentiation: Tools to Tailor Your Teaching

Feb 25, 2025
Free

In this interactive session, we’ll dive into the time-saving tools that help tailor your teaching to meet the unique needs of every student. Explore how Diffit, MagicSchool, and other tools can transform your classroom into a personalized learning haven.

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

Boost Your Productivity with Essential Google Tools

Feb 26, 2025
Free

Unlock the full potential of Google’s suite of tools. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover practical strategies for navigating Chrome efficiently, managing tabs and bookmarks, utilizing powerful productivity extensions, and more.

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

Google Level 1 Certification

Mar 4, 2025
Free

This workshop will break down the Google Educator Level 1 Certification into smaller segments while preparing you for the exam. Each segment will cover different Google-related topics, including Chrome and Slides, Drive and Docs, Gmail and Calendar, Classroom, Forms and Sheets, and test prep tips.

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

AI Series Part 3: AI Assistants: AI Tools to Make Life Easier

Mar 5, 2025
40

A digital assistant to help streamline teaching tasks? Thanks to AI-powered tools, it’s a reality. See how current educators are making their life easier during this hands-on workshop for teachers of all grade levels, where we’ll focus on tools that can take some of the heavy lifting out of lesson planning, grading, and student engagement.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI

Mar 7, 2025
35

This workshop aims to demystify AI and empower you to embrace its potential without overwhelming technical jargon. Additionally, it will provide you with insights to innovate, enhance instructional methodologies, and adapt assessment practices to better meet the needs of diverse learners.

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

Infusing Technology in the ELA Classroom

Mar 20, 2025
40

Specifically for ELA Teachers, this workshop will address meaningful, productive, creative, and content-specific uses of technology in the classroom. We will focus on a multitude of tools and resources that can transform learning in ELA classrooms by effectively leveraging technology. From transforming presentations to add-ons and extensions that extend the capabilities of writing, participants will walk away from this session with the skills and knowledge needed to thoughtfully integrate technology into their ELA classroom.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

AI in the Classroom

Mar 21, 2025
Free

Join us for an engaging session that will take you through a brief history of AI, highlighting its evolution and current advancements, particularly in generative AI. We’ll dive into the concept of AI literacy, providing foundational knowledge and practical strategies for integrating AI into your teaching practice.

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

Esports Field Trip: East Alton-Wood River CHSD 14

Mar 24, 2025
Free

Esports is an excellent way for students to participate in a team-based activity while developing social and practical skills that can lead to emergent college and career activities.

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Gerry Mattix-Wand
Gerry Mattix-Wand
Director of Technology, East Alton-Wood River Community High School

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

Mar 26, 2025
Free

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just starting out, master essential design tools and empower student voice and choice. Unlock the limitless potential of Canva to create an out-of-this-world educational experience!

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

Drones in the Classroom: Coding, STEM, and Preparing for the Future

Apr 1, 2025
Free

This hands-on workshop will explore how codeable drones can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom to foster coding skills, spark an interest in STEM, and prepare students for future tech-powered work opportunities.

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

AI 2.0: Image Creation and Digital Citizenship in the AI World

Apr 4, 2025
40

In this hands-on workshop, teachers of all grade levels will explore the use of AI for image creation and discuss the importance of digital citizenship in this new era of AI-generated content. Participants will learn how to use AI tools to create engaging and educational content for their students, while also developing strategies for teaching students how to navigate the ethical and responsible use of AI.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

Take STEM Learning to New Heights with Drones

Apr 11, 2025
250

With plenty of uses in the ever-changing workforce, drones offer an engaging opportunity to teach our students real-world skills. With a drone in hand, your students’ STEM learning can truly take flight; all it takes is the right preparations and the right equipment.

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

Apr 16, 2025
25

Tired of the same old teaching routines? Blast boredom our of your classroom with Canva, which can help you and your students embark on a creative journey towards impactful learning.

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

One Size Does Not Fit All: Resources to Support UDL

Apr 22, 2025
Free

Discover powerful, easy-to-use online tools and resources that bring Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to life in your reading, writing, and math classroom.

Anastasia Alter
Anastasia Alter
, Infinitec

Hey Google! Help Me Design Creative Lessons!

Apr 28, 2025
40

In this session, we’ll focus on how you can create interactive assignments and collaborative projects using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings. Along the way, we’ll also highlight practical strategies you can use to elevate technology use in your classroom, starting within the familiar Google ecosystem.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

Apr 30, 2025
Free

Tired of the same old teaching routines? Blast boredom our of your classroom with Canva, which can help you and your students embark on a creative journey towards impactful learning.

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

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

May 2, 2025
20

Capture attention with eye-catching visuals and interactive presentations. Ignite student creativity through engaging infographics, videos, storybooks, and dynamic portfolios. Go beyond the basics and create truly transformative learning experiences that foster active participation, collaboration, and critical thinking. Prepare your students to become confident, capable, and future-ready learners equipped with essential 21st-century skills.

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

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

May 13, 2025
40

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just starting out, join us to discover how Canva can help your students become confident, capable, and creative learners!

Emily Flach
Emily Flach
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern Region, Learning Technology Center
Computer Science (CS)

CS PD Week 2025

Jun 23, 2025
400 – 1200

Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 5-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center
Artificial Intelligence (AI) One-to-One Podcast

Developing Human and AI Intelligence with Matt Miller

AI is here to stay. So, what’s next? Author and educator Matt Miller joins us to explore how AI is reshaping teaching right here, right now and remind us about keeping human connection at the heart of education.

One-to-One Podcast

EdTech I’m Thankful For with Our Listeners

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re handing over the mic and interviewing teachers, coaches, and technology leaders from across Illinois about the edtech tools they’re most thankful for.

One-to-One Podcast

Student Voice, Choice & Creativity with Eric Curts

What if we could use technology to give students more choice? Author and educator Eric Curts joins us to share how teachers can use tech to unlock student creativity and more meaningful learning experiences.