Event Calendar

LTC Event Schedule

The Learning Technology Center offers a variety of online courses, focusing on educational technology trends and best practices in a format that fits educators’ busy schedules. From self-paced to guided learning, educators learn practical skills to begin implementing in their classrooms immediately.

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Apple Professional Learning Series: GarageBand

Mon. June 24, 2024 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

It's time to rock! Join us to explore GarageBand, Apple's built-in music creation program, and delve into how you can utilize it in the classroom. In particular, we'll explore how to create original music, add your voice, build loops and sound effects, and develop engaging audio stories - all in a user-friendly environment that requires little-to-no music composition experience.

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

Intro to AI in the Classroom

Fri. June 28, 2024 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Capital Area Career Center 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL, United States

Join us as we cut through the AI buzz and how we can use AI platforms to personalize student learning and help you in the classroom.

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

Canva in the Classroom

Fri. June 28, 2024 | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Free
Capital Area Career Center 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL, United States

Join us to discover the "magic" of Canva, one of the most popular graphic design tools used by professionals and amateurs alike. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, teachers will learn how to create eye-catching graphics, select appropriate fonts and colors, and manipulate images and text to create visually appealing presentations and digital teaching materials. Along the way, they'll also discover how to use templates and pre-made graphics to save time and effort on every lesson plan.

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

CS PD Week 2024

Mon. July 8, 2024 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | $400 – $1200
Liberty Leadership Middle School 6327 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL, United States Minor Outlying Islands

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
Additional Details

Newsela Summer Workshop 2024

Tue. July 16, 2024 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |

Summer Workshop is Newsela’s annual back-to-school kickoff where we bring together our community of teachers and administrators across our suite of products, including Newsela ELA, Newsela Social Studies, Newsela Science, and for the first time, Formative.

Additional Details

Take Creativity to New Heights with Drones

Wed. July 17, 2024 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $460
ROE 28: Bureau/Henry/Stark 107 S State St, Atkinson, Illinois, USA

Discover what it takes to bring drones into the classroom as a part of this hands-on workshop. We’ll take to the skies as you learn to fly a drone manually. You’ll then explore activities, curriculum, and tips for getting your students started on their first drone adventures.

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

Hey Google! Help Me Design Creative Lessons

Wed. July 24, 2024 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $40
ROE 49: Rock Island 3430 Avenue of The Cities, Moline, Illinois, USA

n 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
Additional Details

A Beginner’s Guide to AI for Educators

Wed. July 24, 2024 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | Free
Five Points Washington 360 N. Wilmor Rd., Washington

Join us as we cut through the AI buzz and examine the implications of artificial intelligence in an educational setting. In particular, we’ll focus on how recently released and forthcoming AI tools could impact how students learn and create going forward.

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

Smart and Savvy Online Learning in the AI Era

Thu. July 25, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Free
Five Points Washington 360 N. Wilmor Rd., Washington

Join us to learn and practice techniques for assessing the quality and reliability of online information and sources provided by AI. Along the way, we'll also explore several tools and strategies you can integrate into your research-centered classroom activities and digital citizenship curriculum.

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

Google Classroom Basics for Teachers

Tue. July 30, 2024 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am | Free
Online IL, United States

Bring your students' digital learning experience to life with Google Classroom! Join us for an introductory look at this multi-faceted learning management system, including how you can use it to create and organize assignments, quizzes, discussions, grades, and more. At the same time, we'll also explore how Google Classroom integrates with other core Google apps like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making it easy to create seamless digital lessons that are both engaging and easy to manage.

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

AI in the Classroom: Maximizing Student and Educator Potential

Wed. July 31, 2024 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am | Free
Adams County Health Department 330 Vermont St, Quincy, IL, United States

Join us to discover new ways to harness AI in your classroom, both as a teaching tool and as a teaching assistant. During this workshop, we'll explore several ways current AI tools can personalize learning for your students, through both differentiated content and personalized feedback.

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

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation

Thu. August 1, 2024 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $214
Online IL, United States

Have you considered the role AI could play in shaping the future of education at your school? This Administrator Academy aims to equip school leaders with the essential knowledge and practical tools to implement AI technologies effectively.

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

Integrating Computer Science Across the Curriculum with LEGO®

Thu. August 1, 2024 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | Free
DOT 1 DOT Way, Mt. Sterling, IL, United States

Join us for an interactive session on integrating computer science across the curriculum! This hands-on workshop will explain how you can boost learners’ engagement with core subjects, like ELA and Math, while incorporating computer science using the LEGO® Learning System. See why schools across Illinois lean on our ready-to-use lessons and familiar LEGO® brick to bring learning to life and address key topics within the Illinois Learning Standards.

Dr. Colleen Cannon-Ruffo
Dr. Colleen Cannon-Ruffo
Solution Architect , LEGO Education
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Snap into STEM with Tactile Circuits & Snap Circuits

Mon. August 5, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm | $20
CU Community Fab Lab 1301 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, Illinois, United States

Come learn how at the Champaign Community Fab Lab, where we'll explore building tactile circuitry using Snap Circuits. These colorful, user-friendly kits allow students to explore electricity, circuitry, and wiring without the hassle of soldering or jumper cables.

Emilie Butt
Emilie Butt
Informatics Instruction and Engagement Coordinator, University of Illinois
Additional Details

Stitching in Creativity with Digital Embroidery & SewArt

Mon. August 5, 2024 | 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm | $20
CU Community Fab Lab 1301 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, Illinois, United States

Digital embroidery and SewArt can brighten up your STEM curriculum, one stitch at a time. Come discover how to get started with both at the Champaign Community Fab Lab, where we'll dig into the advantages of using different digital embroidery software to spark creative, maker-centered projects.

Emilie Butt
Emilie Butt
Informatics Instruction and Engagement Coordinator, University of Illinois
Additional Details

Integrating CS in the K-8 Classroom

Wed. August 7, 2024 | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm | Free
Hamilton County Jr/Sr High School 1 Fox Lane #1149, McLeansboro, IL, United States

Join us for an engaging workshop on integrating computer science in K-8 classrooms. Explore foundational CS concepts and learn practical ways to incorporate them across subjects. During this session we will explore Code.org CS Fundamentals and CS Connections as well as some other resources that support foundational CS concepts.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

Exploring AI in EdTech Summit

Wed. August 7, 2024 | 8:30 am - 2:30 pm | $15
Sauk Valley Community College 173 IL Rt 2, Dixon, IL, United States

Calling ALL educators! Join the LTC and ROE team for a fun, fast-paced day of exploring Artificial Intelligence and its role in education. Join us as we dive into this new world of AI!

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

Navigating Digital Waters: From Well-Being to Thriving

Thu. August 8, 2024 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | Free
Online IL, United States

Join us as we explore practical strategies for maintaining digital well-being, including resources to help students practice balancing technology use - for school and for entertainment - with their individual mental health.

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

Google Slides Basics: Teachers

Fri. August 9, 2024 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am | Free
Online IL, United States

Take your lessons to the next level with Google Slides! Join us to learn how to use this well-known digital tool to create engaging and interactive presentations for your classroom.

Slides can do a lot more than just make slide shows, though. During this workshop, we also explore how Slides can be used to build dynamic lessons and as a focal point for collaboration in student projects.

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

All Things SOPPA & SDPC

Mon. August 12, 2024 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

New to SOPPA or the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) database? Curious about updates to both? Join us each month for a concise discussion on enhancing data privacy in all K-12 schools.

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Wed. September 4, 2024 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

ROE 53 and ROE 48 Tech Leaders Roundtable

Fri. September 6, 2024 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm | Free
River City Labs 7916 N Hale Ave, Peoria, IL, United States

Eager to see educational technology innovation in action? Join this open networking group for a monthly peek into how schools in your area are harnessing classroom technology, enhancing their networking capabilities, and more. Area technology leaders can also use this time to connect with peers, share experiences, and discuss pertinent tech topics impacting their schools.

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Kelli Ballard
Kelli Ballard
Professional Development Coordinator, ROE 53: Mason/Tazewell/Woodford
Additional Details

Using Newsela to Enhance Literacy

Mon. September 9, 2024 | 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Newsela provides educators with curated instructional content that's both engaging and innovative. With a commitment to alignment with state mandates and science of reading practices, Newsela provides a vast array of vetted materials that enrich classroom learning experiences. Through a partnership with Formative, districts can also utilize Newslea to personalize learning journeys, track progress, and drive student success effectively.

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Tyler Overstreet
Tyler Overstreet
Curricular Solution Architect, Newsela
Additional Details

Tech Leadership Meeting

Tue. September 10, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
ROE 51: Menard/Sangamon 2201 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL

You are invited to an open forum discussion on current educational technology topics and trends. This networking opportunity is open to all educational technology professionals, including technology directors, instructional technology coaches, and any other roles interested in exploring the present landscape of technology in our schools.

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

Library Media Specialist Networking Meeting

Wed. September 11, 2024 | 8:30 am - 10:00 am | Free
Online IL, United States

Join the LTC's Holly Kelly for a monthly virtual networking meeting explicitly geared to the needs of today's library media specialists.

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Human-Centered Technology Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

Launching STEM Success: Integrating Immersive Experiences into your Curriculum

Wed. September 11, 2024 | 9:00 am - 2:30 pm | Free
Heartland Community College 1500 West Raab Road, Normal, IL, United States

Join us to discover how immersive experiences can help your students apply critical STEM skills in a whole new way. During this workshop, we'll focus on a specific immersive experience where students take on roles of a NASA crew and complete a simulated training mission. In their roles, each student complete unique tasks and experiments to teach critical STEM skills from math to biology.

Julia Ossler
Julia Ossler
Director, Heartland Community College
Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

Be Connected: A New School Year

Wed. September 11, 2024 | 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

As you settle back into familiar routines, join us for updates on the latest challenges and opportunities impacting technology teams and educational technology use in schools.

Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center
Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

ROE 48 & 53 Cybersecurity Incident Workshop for Administrators

Thu. September 12, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Morton Unit School District #709 1050 S Fourth Ave, Morton, IL, United States

During this workshop, LTC trainers will facilitate a conversation between district administrators focused on establishing resilient cyber incident response plans.

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

DigLitCon 2024 Day 2

Fri. September 13, 2024 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | $40
Online IL, United States

Join education stakeholders from around Illinois for a conference centered on digital literacy, with presenters offering their views on how to best integrate this new literacy into instruction across subject areas and grade levels.

Brian Bates
Brian Bates
Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

ROE 54 Tech Networking Meeting

Fri. September 13, 2024 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 54: Vermilion 200 S College St Ste B, Danville, Illinois, USA

Curious about how other district technology leaders are tackling challenges and initiatives in their districts? Do you have new technology projects/upgrades going on in your district that others might want to hear about? Share your voice and network with colleagues at our open discussion!

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

Essential Digital Literacy for Teachers and Librarians

Mon. September 16, 2024 | 8:30 am - 2:00 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

In today's evolving digital landscape, educators and librarians must understand various literacies to effectively support and guide their students. From general media literacy to understanding AI, this spectrum of essential knowledge is expanding, making it crucial for teachers to stay informed and adept in these areas.

Join us as we delve into the critical literacies that every modern educator needs to understand.

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Human-Centered Technology Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

LTC Edtech Coaches Meeting

Mon. September 16, 2024 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Join instructional technology coaches from across Illinois during our monthly virtual meetings to connect with other coaches, brainstorm, and share resources.

Amy Graham
Amy Graham
Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

SOPPA/SDPC Refresher and Updates

Tue. September 17, 2024 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | $40
ROE 3: Bond/Christian/Effingham/Fayette/Montgomery 1500 W Jefferson St, Vandalia, Illinois, USA

Now that SOPPA is a mainstay for Illinois K-12 schools, maintaining your school's data privacy policies and procedures remains as important as ever. Join us for several SOPPA updates, including how districts should continue creating and organizing their data privacy agreements.

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

Apple for Education Update – 2024-25 School Year

Tue. September 17, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Capital Area Career Center 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL, United States

What's new with Apple in education this school year? Join us for an in-depth look at the many new features showcased at the World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC), including updates for Managed Apple IDs, new deployment options, and enhanced management features for macOS and iPadOS.

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

AI in Education: From Fear to Fascination (Pt 1)

Wed. September 18, 2024 | 8:30 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 30: Administrative Center 101 Spero Dr, Murphysboro, IL, United States

Join us as we cut through the AI buzz and examine the implications of artificial intelligence in an educational setting. We'll start by outlining AI fundamentals before exploring the benefits and challenges AI presents in both teaching and learning. Along the way, we'll also address many educator's top concerns regarding AI, including plagiarism, bias, and over reliance.

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

Declutter My Digital Life

Wed. September 18, 2024 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | $20
ISC 2 West Cook Office 415 Lexington St, Maywood, IL, United States

Join us to discover a tech-forward way to work smarter and increase your efficiency - no matter what your day throws at you!

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

Leadership and Literacy: A Leadership Forum

Wed. September 18, 2024 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

In today’s landscape, technology can play an active role in literacy development if learning is designed with intention. It is our pleasure to extend an exclusive invitation for school leaders to explore new ideas, technology integrated practices, and resources for creating a dynamic digital learning environment where today’s students can achieve and thrive.

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

Be Connected: E-Rate Program Updates

Wed. September 18, 2024 | 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

It's time for a funding update! Join us as we dive into several changes impacting funding opportunities for schools + get your E-Rate questions answered by a funding expert.

Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center
Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

ROE 1 Tech Leadership Meeting

Fri. September 20, 2024 | 9:30 am - 11:30 am | Free
Brown County Elementary School 501 NW Cross St, Mt. Sterling, IL, United States

This networking session welcomes all edtech professionals - directors, superintendents, coaches, and anyone passionate about technology's role in education. We may kick things off with a brief presentation, but the real magic happens when we open the floor. Share your experiences, challenges, and ideas in a supportive space, and learn from peers!

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

Funding Office Hours: FCC K-12 Cybersecurity Pilot Program

Mon. September 23, 2024 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Want to know more about the FCC's new K-12 Cybersecurity Pilot program? Join the LTC's funding expert for program updates, guidance, and answers to your questions about the application process.

Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

AI as your Teaching Superpower

Tue. September 24, 2024 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am | $40
ROE 3: Bond/Christian/Effingham/Fayette/Montgomery 1500 W Jefferson St, Vandalia, Illinois, USA

Join us to discover the power of artificial intelligence and how it can enhance your daily teaching workflow. You don’t need a cape or mask to unlock these powers, either – all you need is some curiosity to unlock strategies for automating repetitive tasks and developing engaging teaching content.

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

ROE 49 Technology Round Table

Tue. September 24, 2024 | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Free
ROE 49: Rock Island 3430 Avenue of The Cities, Moline, Illinois, USA

Join us for an open discussion on current educational technology topics and trends. This networking meeting is open to all educational technology positions including technology directors, instructional technology coaches, and any other positions interested in discussing the current state of technology in our schools. While a short presentation may lead off our time together, the majority of the meeting will be open for participants to share their experiences and challenges with the group.

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

Be Connected: A Free Phishing Campaign

Wed. September 25, 2024 | 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Your school is going on a phishing trip! No need for a rod and reel - just join us to learn about the LTC's free phishing simulation campaigns, a low-cost way to raise staff awareness for cyber threats.

Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center
Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details