Lead the Conversation! Submit an IETC 2022 Proposal
Proposal submission is now open for IETC 2022! This is your chance to share your unique perspectives on tech integration strategies, instructional practices, tech infrastructure, and more with 800+ attendees. Plus, there are great benefits in it for you – including free admission. Here’s a quick rundown on what you need to know to submit a proposal for this year’s illuminating conference.
3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today
As it stands, some digital learning tools and communications are not effectively accessible by default. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that teachers like you can make their classroom’s digital content more inclusive for all learners. Here are 3 ways you can make your digital classroom more accessible right now.
Bring Computer Science to Your Students with Code.org Trainings & Free Curricula
Right now, computing is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. But in order for today’s students to make the leap into the field, their teachers must lay the right groundwork. Code.org’s resources and low-cost trainings are precisely what you need to help start your students toward a fruitful CS-powered future.
Illinois’ New Digital Accessibility Law – What Education Leaders Need to Know about HB 26
Effective August 1, 2022, HB 26 requires 3rd party curriculum content to achieve Level AA accessibility conformity, as outlined in the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (W3C WCAG). Learn more about these new state guidelines and what you can do to bring your district’s digital media into compliance.
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Prioritizing your Mental Health with Summer Self-Care
With summer starting, now is a great time for all educators to perform a mental health check-in. Along the way, you should also consider adding new self-care routines to your life, both now and for the next school year. Check out this guide to learn more about self-care and the many ways it can help bring balance to your personal and professional life.
LTC Receives State Achievement Award from SETDA
The Learning Technology Center of Illinois is proud to announce that it has been awarded the State Achievement Award for Professional Learning by the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA). This award recognizes the LTC’s ongoing efforts to serve all Illinois schools and educators as part of its Professional Learning Statewide System of Support.
NOW OPEN – IETC 2021 Early Bird Registration!
The future of edtech is here. Now’s your chance to harness technology’s renewed classroom potential by learning from and networking with your peers at IETC 2021. Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing!
What Teachers Need to Know about SOPPA
This summer, Illinois’ new SOPPA amendments will come into force, requiring districts to meet new standards for managing and protecting student data. But what role will teachers play in this process? Learn more in this timely guide!
E-Rate Emergency Connectivity Fund – What You Need to Know
On May 11, 2021, the FCC announced a finalized rule set for the administration of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), a $7.1 billion appropriation derived from the larger $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan stimulus package passed in March 2021. Learn more about the ECF, its eligibility requirements, and its E-Rate application process in this new program brief.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program – What You Need to Know
Starting May 12, 2021, eligible households can apply to receive up to $50 off their monthly home internet bill through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Read on to learn about how schools and district can utilize this program to increase at-home internet access for their students.
Request for Proposals – Share your Voice at IETC 2021!
The 28th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) is on its way, bringing with it an immersive hybrid experience geared toward the professional learning needs of all educators, IT staff, and administrators. Make 2021 the year you share your voice by submitting a proposal for IETC!
Choosing the Right Chromebook for Schools and Districts
Many schools in Illinois and around the US are interested in purchasing new Chromebooks. But which Chromebook model is best? Which model offers the best value? You’ll find answers and more in this guide to choosing the right Chromebook for your school or district.
Resources and Reminders for 2021 License Renewal
The Illinois State Board of Education opened the window for this year’s teacher license renewal cycle on April 1, 2021. Check out our guide full of important reminders and resources geared toward helping you renew your teaching license in no time.
JUST RELEASED – DigLitCon Agenda is Now Live!
Big news! The Digital Literacy Conference agenda has just been released! In it, you’ll find an assortment of engaging sessions on many of the most important aspects of digital literacy. Check out these session previews now and make plans to attend this unique professional learning opportunity!
How to Become a Google Certified Coach
This year, Google is premiering a brand-new certification that is geared toward helping schools and districts build and sustain their edtech integration over the long-term. Check out this guide to learn more about the Google Certified Coach program, including its benefits for tech coaches and school districts alike.
Google Announces Updates for Classroom, Meet, and More
Recently, Google announced a variety of updates for its suite of education-centered apps and services, including new functionality and accessibility features for Google Classroom and Google Meet. Check out our update digest to learn about Google Workspace for Education, its new pricing structure, and more.
Charting a New Frontier in Literacy at #DigLitCon
Digital literacy has been on the tip of the tongue for many educators recently. This summer’s Digital Literacy Conference will help further that discourse and help educators chart a course for teaching digital literacy in their own classroom. Learn more about what #DigLitCon has to offer every educator, including a sneak preview of two popular sessions.
3 Keys to Remember While Finalizing your E-Rate Application
The 21-22 E-Rate Form 471 filing deadline is just around the corner on March 25, 2021. Don’t miss these important E-Rate program updates as you put the final touches on your institution’s submission.
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.