ISPA Resource Update – February 2021
All February, the LTC team has been hard at work creating new resources to support district-level compliance with SOPPA. Collected here are all of the latest resources provided to ISPA members over the course of the month.
Digital Literacy Conference Registration Now Open!
Exciting news! The Digital Literacy Conference is now open for registration. This one-day gathering of educators from around Illinois will offer teachers, administrators, library media specialists, and more an opportunity to engage with one of education’s most relevant topics – digital literacy – in all of its forms.
Reflecting on a Year of Digital Learning on Digital Learning Day 2021
The nature of digital learning has changed a lot over the past year. To celebrate Digital Learning Day 2021, we spoke to education stakeholders across Illinois and heard their perspectives on digital learning – both now and in the future.
New Updates for Microsoft for Education and Google Chrome Management Licensing
The Illinois Learning Technology Purchasing Program (ILTPP) has announced several updates to two of their most popular contracts. These updates will help your school or district blossom into new learning opportunities this spring and budget more effectively for the 21-22 school year.
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Now Accepting Proposals for the Digital Literacy Conference
This summer, the Learning Technology Center (LTC) is proud to host the Digital Literacy Conference, a timely virtual gathering centered on one of education’s most relevant topics. We want you to be part of this conference’s team of presenters, so submit a proposal today!
Jump Start your Professional Learning with a FREE LTC Online Course
No matter how you look at it, today’s educators are busy people. The LTC understands this dilemma, which is why we offer a variety of free, self-paced online courses covering topics from Google Forms and Google Drive to Microsoft Teams and Keynote for Mac. You can learn more about and participate in these courses over on our Online Courses hub!
How to Become a Google Certified Educator
Google Educator certifications are among the most popular today, particularly in this era of remote and hybrid learning. But how exactly do you become “Google Educator Certified”? You’ll find the answer and more in this handy guide to becoming Google Educator Certified.
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 and recommendation geared toward helping all students grow their digital literacy and master internet safety.
Data Privacy Resources for 2021 and Beyond
In recognition of Data Privacy Day, the LTC team has gathered some of our most popular data privacy and cybersecurity resources into one place. Check out each of these overviews, online classes, and more if you’re planning to upgrade your district’s data protection policies to comply with SOPPA.
“A New Outlook” – Takeaways from the Remote Learning Conference
Back on Friday, January 15, the Learning Technology Center wrapped up a first-of-its-kind conference centered on education’s most recent evolution. The Remote Learning Conference marked a major leap forward for collaboration in Illinois’ edtech community, with educators from around the Prairie State gathering to share their hard-earned knowledge from the past year of distance learning.
“A Big Year Ahead” – Takeaways from SecurED Schools 2021
The 4th annual SecurED Schools conference concluded back on Thursday, January 14. Though this year’s gathering was held virtually, technology leaders from around Illinois still participated in plenty of insightful conversations about the future of cybersecurity and data privacy.
Achieve your 2021 Edtech Goals with an Instructional Technology Coach
This year, the Learning Technology Center is expanding its popular Instructional Technology Coaching Program. Learn more about this program and its cost-effective benefits for district-wide technology integration.
Micro-Credentials: New Horizons for Professional Learning
The old “sit-and-get” method of professional development isn’t suited to the needs of today’s educators. Micro-credentials are the solution because their offer teachers greater agency while they grow their competency in classroom-ready skills. Read on for a special opportunity to join the LTC’s micro-credential pilot program!
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!
2020 Words That Will Never Be The Same
2020 has brought a lot of unexpected changes, from the way we learn to the way we speak. We’ve rounded up some of the words that took on new meaning for remote learners and educators alike this year.
Start your Professional Learning Journey with the LTC’s New Education Certification Collection
Certifications have become an increasingly popular option for professional learning in the education field. The LTC has scoured the internet for the best certifications and collected them here, in our new Educator Certification Collection.
LTC Joins Google Cloud Partner Program
The Learning Technology Center of Illinois (LTC) is proud to announce its recent acceptance into the Google Cloud Partner Program.
Episode 7: Talking Toddlers with Susie Allison
In this episode, host Colleen Kaplan sits down with Susie Allison, creator of the popular Busy Toddler Instagram account, to talk about all things toddlers and preschool. Susie, an early childhood education expert and advocate, focuses on bringing hands-on, play-based learning back to families and classrooms using simple activities.
“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, and networking held online. Read on for highlights from this first-of-its-kind professional learning experience.
Promoting #CSforSocialJustice During Computer Science Education Week 2020
In recognition of this year’s renewed focus on social justice, Computer Science Education Week 2020 has centered its annual celebration of computer science learning on helping students build a more just society using their CS skills. These resources can help your classroom join in this celebration, with free materials available for primary- and secondary-level students.
12 Days of Resources for Parents and Caregivers
During this holiday season, the SPARK program wants to offer you a gift – 12 great resources for facilitating successful remote learning in your home. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to check back daily for new resources!
Episode 6: Exploring “Sharenthood” with Leah Plunket
In this episode, host Colleen Kaplan sits down to discuss the intersection of parenting and social media with Leah Plunkett, law professor and author of “Sharenthood: Why we should think before we talk about our kids online”.