Harness EdTech’s Renewed Potential at IETC 2021!

In just under a month, educators and technology leaders from across Illinois will gather together to learn and explore while forming the connections that allow our statewide edtech community to flourish year after year.

It’s all happening at IETC 2021 – and you’re invited!

With a new look and renewed commitment to leading conversations about today’s edtech innovations, IETC 2021 is set to offer educators and tech leaders an unparalleled opportunity to expand their professional horizons.

At the same time, this year’s conference is still committed to fostering the kinds of connections past attendees know and love, a factor LTC Executive Director Tim McIlvain believes helps IETC stand out from the crowd.

“IETC has a rich history and offers an intimate experience for attendees,” he says.  “No other edtech conference creates a sense of community and belonging like IETC.”

“Best of all, most of our sessions are facilitated by home-grown practitioners,” he adds, referencing this year’s slate of 60+ speakers and presenters. “Illinois is full of excellent educators and leaders, and we love to highlight practices and strategies that are working to transform the educational experience right here at home.”

Two Unforgettable Keynotes from Nationally-Recognized Voices

In addition to a schedule packed with informative workshops and roundtable discussions, IETC 2021 is proud to welcome two nationally-recognized voices to the center stage. Both bring with them insights on the future of teaching through technology, making these a pair of engaging keynotes you won’t want to miss.

Drawing as a Thinking Process

Manuel Herrera

Join Manuel as he shares how using simple sketches can help students and teachers think openly about their ideas. Learn strategies to support your students as they quickly generate designs, and then share them for perspective and constructive feedback.

As you step into the sketch arena, you’ll begin to shift your mindset from seeing drawing as an artistic process to seeing it as a thinking process and beyond.

Being the Educator Your Scholars Need

Dwayne Reed

Filled with tons of SEL, restorative justice practices, and trauma-informed talking points, Reed will help educators re-discover their “WHY” of teaching, and will emphasize the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with scholars.

Each participant will leave with dozens of practical, relationship-building strategies which can immediately be implemented in their classroom or school environment.

Three Days Packed with Insights and Resources

As hosts for this year’s conference, the LTC staff is also sharing their wisdom over all three days of IETC 2021. Check out what our team has to offer and mark your calendars so that you can snag a front row seat!

Empower Student Voice and Choice in Your Classroom!

Presented by Ben Sondgeroth

In a traditional classroom setting, students are often given only one way to respond to content from their teacher. With technology, we can empower students to demonstrate their understanding in ways that best fit their learning styles! By giving students voice and choice in their learning, we provide students with an opportunity to take ownership of their education and empower them to become better learners.

Join us as we explore the many amazing ways technology can give students voice and choice in their learning!

3D Printing FUNdamentals

Presented by Joe Cipfl

Are you wondering what’s next in your technology integration? Do you want to take your tech integration to the next level?

Join us for an informative session on the basics of 3D printing and 3D printers. We will explore the fundamentals of 3D printing, the software and apps needed for successful printing, the best printers for education, how to plan for a 3D printing space, and some curriculum integration essentials.

3D printing has SO many real-world, practical applications and can be easily integrated at any grade level across the curriculum. Come see how!

Get Certified by MicrosoftEDU

Presented by Colleen Kaplan and Holly Kelly

Interested in becoming part of MicrosoftEDU’s elite Showcase School Program? Want to learn the difference between MIE, MIEE, and MCE?  Heard about Minecraft Global Mentors but don’t know what they actually do?

Join this session to learn about Microsoft EDU’s paths to certification and recognition for both you and your school or district!  We will cover what the various processes entail, from laying the groundwork in your school community, to the application process, to the benefits and perks of being accepted into each of the programs.

Learn, Explore, and Connect Like Never Before

For nearly three decades, IETC has offered educators, administrators, and IT leaders the chance to gather together annually and engage with the latest trends in educational technology. This year’s conference will continue that time-honored tradition and reinvigorate our community as we set our sights on building edtech’s brighter future.

Now’s the time to grab your ticket for the most engaging edtech conference in Illinois. Register for IETC 2021 today and make plans to harness today’s technology to enhance student learning.