Tag: IETC

Lead the Conversation! Submit an IETC 2022 Proposal

By LTC Staff
May 9, 2022

A new location, a new structure, and a renewed commitment to in-person professional learning.

It’s all happening live at the 29th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) and we want you to lead the conversation.

Now’s your chance to take part in this year’s illuminating conference by submitting a session proposal. Presenting at IETC comes with great benefits, as well as the opportunity to share your unique perspectives with over 800 educators, administrators, and technology professionals from across the state.

Together, we can shape the next generation of future-ready students. To do that, we need your voice in the conversation. Submit a session proposal for IETC 2022 and get ready to step on stage at one of Illinois’ preeminent edtech conferences.

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

Here’s what you need to know before submitting your IETC 2022 proposal:

New Location, Same Future-Focused Learning

IETC is a rich environment for sharing diverse perspectives from across the education spectrum. As such, educators of all stripes – including teachers, administrators, IT professionals, and more – are encouraged to submit a proposal and support their peers as they expand their professional horizons.

To make that happen, IETC is putting down roots at a new location – the Bank of Springfield Center in the heart of our state’s capital. We’re also embracing a new expanded format with keynotes, workshops, and breakout sessions spread across all three days of the conference.

Taken together, this year’s attendees will have more reasons to take part in the full conference while also taking in all of the local history and culture downtown Springfield has to offer.

Presenter Benefits

Every year, IETC attendees walk away with a wealth of knowledge and connections that will serve them well back in their home district. When you choose to become an IETC presenter, you’ll gain extra benefits that make sharing your voice worth your time and effort.

This year’s presenter benefits include:

  • Waived conference fees (lead presenters and workshop presenters)
  • Continental lunches (lead presenters, co-presenters, and workshop presenters)
  • A conference swag bag filled with goodies (workshop presenters)

Presentation Strands & Formats

This year’s presenters have two options for sharing their knowledge and insights, including:

  • 50-minute general breakout session
  • 110-minute immersive workshop session

Prospective presenters will also have the chance to speak on a broad slate of relevant edtech topics, including technology integration strategies, engaging instructional practices, digital tools and resources, and emerging edtech trends.

Be sure to visit our conference website for a full list of this year’s strands and substrands:

  • Instructional Design and Delivery
  • Computer Science and Conceptual Thinking
  • Digital Citizenship
  • Online Tools, Apps, and Resources
  • Technology Planning and Evaluation
  • Educational Policy and Leadership
  • Digital Equity
  • Technology Infrastructure
  • Technology Management

Submission Deadline

Prospective presenters must submit their session proposals by May 27, 2022 to be considered for a session slot.

Share Your Voice at IETC 2022

Illinois’ edtech community is eager to dig deep into the tools, resources, and best practices that power today’s tech-powered classrooms. IETC is your opportunity to share your hard-earned wisdom and take part in the ever-evolving conversation about the role of technology in education.

But don’t wait! Submit your IETC 2022 proposal today and lend your voice to the growing body of knowledge surrounding edtech’s future.

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

IETC 2022 registration is also opening soon. Sign up for notifications to be the first to know about this year’s exciting in-person gathering.

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) is an Illinois State Board of Education program that supports all public PK-12 districts, schools, and educators through technology initiatives, services, and professional learning opportunities.

“Keeping it real with real educators” – Takeaways from IETC 2021

By LTC Staff
December 17, 2021

The 28th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) wrapped up on November 19 after three days packed with exploring edtech’s latest integration strategies and best practices. This year’s conference featured a hybrid experience that offered attendees the opportunity to join us in Springfield or take part in online-exclusive sessions – all while enjoying the hands-on learning and community atmosphere for which this conference is known.

In-person and virtual attendees at IETC 2021 had the opportunity to learn from two of education’s Midwest voices – artist and educator Manuel Herrera and Illinois’ own Dwayne Reed. Both keynote presenters highlighted the untapped potential present in every classroom, and showed how today’s educators can unlock new pathways to learning by harnessing sketch-noting and personalizing SEL-informed experiences.

“[Dwayne] had a passion about his profession that was infectious,” one keynote attendee noted. Other attendees were quick to praise Manuel’s emphasis on interactivity, both during his keynote and his breakout sessions later in the day.

Learning Together Again

In keeping with IETC tradition, this year’s 500+ attendees and 60+ presenters found fresh ways to join together and share their outlook on emerging edtech trends. That included during this year’s social game, IETC-opoly, through which attendees walked away with a treasure trove of great prizes – including an iPad and Oculus 2 VR headset.

For many attendees, though, the real prize was the opportunity to reconnect with friends from across Illinois and share their earnest thoughts on today’s edtech challenges. Said one satisfied attendee, “keeping it real with real educators is so powerful to our craft.”

Post-Conference Resources Now Available

At no extra cost, all conference attendees can now access this year’s post-conference archive of virtual presentations and presenter resources. Instructions for accessing this limited-time Canvas course can be found in a December 1 email titled “#IETC21 Virtual Session Recordings are HERE!”

Thank You for Learning with Us

As always, the entire IETC committee would like to extend a warm “thank you” to all of this year’s attendees and presenters, who together made IETC 2021 one of the most engaging and enriching conferences to date. The committee is also grateful to this year’s sponsors, whose financial support continues to secure IETC’s place at the heart of Illinois’ edtech community.

Already, we are laying down plans to make IETC 2022 an even more dynamic and formative experience for every educator, administrator, tech coach, and IT leader in attendance. We look forward to learning from your feedback and to seeing you next year at the new home of IETC.

See you in 2022!

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) is an Illinois State Board of Education program that supports all public PK-12 districts, schools, and educators through technology initiatives, services, and professional learning opportunities.

Harness EdTech’s Renewed Potential at IETC 2021!

By Sam Fishel
October 21, 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.

Manuel Herrera

Drawing as a Thinking Process

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.

Dwayne Reed

Being the Educator Your Scholars Need

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.

Sam Fishel is the Digital Content Specialist at the Learning Technology Center. He can be reached at sfishel@ltcillinois.org.

NOW OPEN – IETC 2021 Early Bird Registration!

By LTC Staff
June 2, 2021
IETC - Twitter & Facebook Social Template

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!

Registration for the 28th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) is now open, offering educators across the Midwest an opportunity to gather together and share their insights about the latest digital tools, trends, and integration practices. With a fresh, hybrid experience, this year’s conference promises to be among the most memorable and impactful yet.

As our community returns to in-person opportunities to learn and fellowship together, this is one edtech conference you won’t want to miss. Register for IETC 2021 today and get ready to learn, explore, and connect like never before!

REGISTER FOR IETC 2021!

Building the New Normal of EdTech

For nearly three decades, IETC has been at the center of conversations surrounding technology integration strategies, engaging instructional practices, digital tools and resources, and other emerging edtech trends. This year’s conference promises to maintain that tradition while also helping educators chart a course for the new normal of edtech integration.

IETC is also a rich environment for sharing diverse perspectives from across the education spectrum. As such, all educators – including teachers, administrators, technology coaches, and more – are encouraged to attend and join with their peers as they expand their professional horizons. 

A Hybrid Model to Serve All Educators

For the first time ever, this year’s IETC will be a hybrid experience, with both in-person and virtual components. Educators from around the state will be able to attend this acclaimed conference on site in Springfield or from home while still participating in the insightful sessions and workshops IETC is known for.

New Attendance Options

To coincide with this year’s hybrid model, IETC 2021 will also offer two different attendance options geared toward the needs of our expansive edtech community.

First, as in previous years, Midwest educators will have the option of attending IETC in-person at our conference home in Springfield, Illinois. There, attendees will have an opportunity to converse with peers, attend an assortment of special topic workshops, and take in the live conference atmosphere that many educators have missed.

At the same time, prospective IETC attendees can also choose to take part in this conference virtually. That means you’ll be able to tune into a wide assortment of sessions and panels on your own schedule – including this year’s exciting and enlightening key note sessions! Virtual attendees will also gain access to all of the presentations and slide decks from this year’s conference, making it easier than ever to maximize your professional learning potential at an affordable price.

Experience #IETC2021!

Without question, IETC is the best place in the Midwest to learn about both the present and future of educational technology. We want you to be a part of this formative edtech experience, too, so register for IETC 2021 today! Whether you attend virtually or in person, you’re sure to walk away with a new perspective on what edtech can do to enhance your educational capabilities.

REGISTER FOR IETC 2021!

Questions? Visit our conference website for more information on what it means to attend a hybrid conference. You can also email your questions to events@ltcillinois.org.

Keep Up with the Latest from IETC 2021

Stay up to date on everything IETC – both leading up to and during the conference. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or sign up for our newsletter. That way, you can be the first to hear every IETC 2021 updates – including our upcoming schedule announcement!

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) is an Illinois State Board of Education program that supports all public PK-12 districts, schools, and educators through technology initiatives, services, and professional learning opportunities.

Request for Proposals – Share your Voice at IETC 2021!

By LTC Staff
May 4, 2021
Submit a Proposal for IETC

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.

Powered by the Learning Technology Center (LTC), this year’s conference will focus on supporting and inspiring educators as they build the new normal of classroom technology integration. To do that, IETC needs your help – and more importantly, IETC needs your unique perspectives on what works in educational technology.

Starting today, you are formally invited to submit a proposal and be a part of IETC 2021! Now is an outstanding opportunity to share what you’ve learned through research and practice – especially as your fellow educators work to shape a new generation of future-ready students.

Educators around Illinois and throughout the Midwest are excited to hear from you. Make 2021 the year you share your voice by submitting a proposal for IETC!

Submit a Proposal!

Building the New Normal in EdTech

For nearly three decades, IETC has been at the center of conversations surrounding technology integration strategies, engaging instructional practices, digital tools and resources, and other emerging edtech trends. Prospective presenters are encouraged to share their views on any of these relevant topics, as well as any insights about how edtech’s present can inform its ever-evolving future.

IETC is also a rich environment for sharing diverse perspective from across the education spectrum. As such, educators of all stripes – including teachers, administrators, technology coaches, and more – are encouraged to submit a proposal and support their peers as they expand their professional horizons. 

Presenter Benefits

Without question, IETC’s attendees benefit richly from your choice to present during the conference. But you’ll also benefit when you choose to share your voice at IETC. In fact, this year’s presenters will enjoy the following benefits when it comes time to step out on the IETC stage:

  • Waived attendance fees for lead presenters
  • Professional stipend (only for Workshops)
  • Continental breakfast and lunch
  • The opportunity take part in one of the Midwest’s premier edtech conferences

Presentation Types

For the first time ever, this year’s IETC will be a hybrid experience, with both in-person and virtual components. Educators around the state will be able to attend this acclaimed conference on site in Springfield or from home while still fully participating in a full slate of insightful sessions and workshops.

To bring this hybrid experience to life, this year’s presenters have several options when it comes to sharing their knowledge and insights, including:

  • Panels
  • 3-Hour Workshops
  • 6-Hour Workshops
  • Concurrent Sessions

Submission Deadlines

Currently, IETC plans to release its full agenda this coming summer. As such, prospective presenters like you should keep the following deadlines in mind as you plan your proposal submission:

  • May 21 – Workshops
  • June 11 – General Sessions 

Share your Voice at IETC 2021

IETC 2021 is shaping up to be one of the most engaging and accessible edtech gatherings in the Midwest. With your contributions, this year’s IETC can provide breakthrough opportunities for your fellow educators – starting with your presentation or workshop.

But don’t wait! Submit your IETC 2021 proposal today and lend your voice to the ever-growing body of knowledge surrounding edtech’s future.

Submit a Proposal!

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) is an Illinois State Board of Education program that supports all public PK-12 districts, schools, and educators through technology initiatives, services, and professional learning opportunities.

“That’s a wrap!” – Highlights from IETC 2020

By Christina Ronquest
December 9, 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 through HopIn, a virtual conference platform designed for online events. Despite this new format, many of the conference’s attendees agreed that this IETC was one to remember.

“This conference was very well organized, thought out, and executed,” one conference attendee praised, “I love how much thought was put into offering opportunities and experiences that maintained that ‘in-person’ feel.’”

In true IETC fashion, this year’s 500 attendees found innovative ways to learn collaboratively and explore new possibilities for edtech integration. Much of this learning took place across the conference’s 93 workshop sessions as well as in the virtual Exhibit Hall, where 32 exhibitors (including our own tech purchasing program, ILTPP) talked with conference guests about what the latest edtech solutions had to offer.

Of course, it wouldn’t be IETC without some fun and games. That’s why this year’s leap to online delivery came with plenty of room for peer-to-peer socialization, including daily networking opportunities. Fan-favorite activities, including IETC Bingo, were also offered, both on Friday and during Sunday’s kick-off event.

Already, several IETC attendees have taken advantage of the virtual format’s greatest advantage – the ability to record every workshop session. Those looking to review the sessions they attended or take a peek at a few sessions they couldn’t make it to can do so now for no additional cost. Simply check the email you registered for the conference with, and you should find a communication dated “November 23” with instructions and links.

As always, the entire IETC committee is thankful for its attendees, who have again fostered one of the most enriching, engaging, and meaningful learning communities in the Midwest.  The IETC committee is also grateful to its sponsors, who have helped support this conference as it adapted to the changing needs of this state’s edtech community.

“IETC has always been about cultivating a community of innovators,” LTC Executive Director Tim McIlvain explained in reflection, “In the absence of an in-person conference, we were still able to create a dynamic space where educators could connect and learn from their colleagues across the state.”

In all, IETC 2020 was an outstanding experience, filled with laughter and learning all the way through. Everyone on the IETC committee is looking forward to 2021 and the opportunities it brings for a revitalized in-person experience.

We hope to see you there!

Christina Ronquest is the Project Manager at the Learning Technology Center. She can be reached at cronquest@ltcillinois.org.

Learn, Connect, and Explore at IETC 2020

By Christina Ronquest
November 9, 2020

Classrooms across Illinois and the world look different this year. As educators and students alike work to accept and embrace this change, the 27th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) has also transformed into an immersive, digital experience.

Now, more than ever, educators are looking for opportunities to learn, connect, and explore as a community of peers. The IETC community continues to provide those opportunities, as well as the chance to foster the creativity and perseverance needed for today’s digital classrooms.

“The IETC Conference is my favorite conference every year because of the community,” says Julie Powell, IETC Committee member, “ Everyone is so friendly and each year, more and more people are brought into the family of attendees like they’ve always been there.”

This year, the IETC has renewed its commitment to providing educators, administrators, and IT staff with an engaging, insightful experience via its new, digital format. To do that, the conference has been extended over the course of a week (November 15-21), with session times tailored to fit your schedule. To that end, IETC 2020 will offer new sessions each weekday from 3:30 PM to 5:25 PM and on Saturday, from 8 AM to 11 AM. All sessions will be recorded and made available for a limited time, as well, so you won’t need to worry about attending conflicting sessions.

IETC 2020 will also utilize the conference platform HopIn. Through it, attendees will be able to network with their peers, visit the virtual exhibit hall, and interact with presenters during their breakout sessions. The conference’s much-beloved social events will also be returning this year, including a kick-off event Sunday evening and IETC Bingo Friday afternoon.

Butch Wilson, IETC Committee Technology Lead, summarizes this year’s IETC best: 

“In the most flexible, most accessible school years of the last two decades, IETC has consistently been a highlight. It is that treasure chest of new ideas and boundless outpouring of inspiration that motivates us and lifts us up so we can see what possibilities are on the horizon.  This year? Any opportunity to share thoughts and concerns, any insights that will help us find our centers and help us reach our teachers and districts, any ‘here, let me help you get over this hill’ that we can get is priceless. IETC is beyond priceless.” 

To reserve your spot at this “priceless” conference, head over to www.il-edtech.org for more information and to register. Questions? Interested in sending a group? Reach out to us at events@ltcillinois.org for registration information and group pricing.

Christina Ronquest is the Project Manager at the Learning Technology Center. She can be reached at cronquest@ltcillinois.org.