Professional Learning

Events Calendar

Come learn with us at an upcoming workshop, webinar, networking event, or conference.

Both in-person and online, every event is an opportunity to discover new resources, embrace best practices, and grow your impact as an edtech innovator.

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Cybersecurity Roadshow with Bytespeed | Northwest IL

Fri. May 2, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Sauk Valley Community College 173 IL Rt 2, Dixon, IL, United States

This session will guide public school administrators and IT leaders through the financial and operational consequences of a ransomware attack. Participants will take on roles within a simulated school district, gaining firsthand insight into how such an incident affects school operations, student safety, and data security.

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

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

Fri. May 2, 2025 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | $20
ROE 21 Training Center 502 West Jackson Street, Marion

Capture attention with eye-catching visuals and interactive presentations. Ignite student creativity through engaging infographics, videos, storybooks, and dynamic portfolios. Go beyond the basics and create truly transformative learning experiences that foster active participation, collaboration, and critical thinking. Prepare your students to become confident, capable, and future-ready learners equipped with essential 21st-century skills.

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

ROE 56 Tech Networking Meeting

Fri. May 2, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 56: Will 116 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL, United States

This networking session welcomes all technology professionals - technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. 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!

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

ROE 48 and ROE 53 Tech Leaders Roundtable

Fri. May 2, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:30 am | Free
Illini Central CUSD 189 208 N West Ave, Mason City, United States

This group, hosted by ROE 53, ROE 48 and the Learning Technology Center, will meet monthly to see tech innovation in action within area schools. Time will also be provided for networking and sharing information on pertinent tech topics with other technology leaders in our region.

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

ROE 47 Technology Round Table

Fri. May 2, 2025 | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Free
ROE 47: Lee/Ogle/Whiteside 1001 W 23rd St, Sterling, 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

ROE 51 Tech Leadership Meeting

Tue. May 6, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
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

ROE 16 Technology Round Table

Wed. May 7, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
ROE 16: DeKalb 2500 N Annie Glidden Rd Ste C, Dekalb, 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

Be Connected: Tabletop Simulations

Wed. May 7, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Free
Online IL, United States
Virtual Event Virtual Event

Learn how to effectively run a hands-on exercise that engages your leadership team, tests your response plans, and identifies gaps before a crisis hits.

Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center

3D Printing for Educators

Thu. May 8, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
AERO Sped Cooperative 5400 W 77th St, Burbank, IL, United States

This workshop will give you the foundation needed to implement 3D printing in your educational environment.

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

AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Future-Proofing your Classroom

Thu. May 8, 2025 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | $20
ROE 39: Macon/Piatt 3433 Rupp Parkway (Park 101), Decatur, IL, United States

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence in education with this workshop designed for practicing educators. From AI’s roots to today’s cutting-edge developments in generative AI, we’ll start by exploring a broad overview of AI’s history and introduce you to many fundamental AI concepts. From there, we’ll explore where AI and education meet, including key AI literacy principles and potential application in a classroom environment. You’ll even gain some hands-on experience with current AI tools that can streamline lesson creation and other day-to-day teaching tasks.

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

ROE 28 Technology Roundtable

Thu. May 8, 2025 | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Free
ROE 28: Bureau/Henry/Stark 107 S State St, Atkinson, 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

SOPPA Sanity: Mastering DPAs and SOPPA Compliance

Mon. May 12, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
ROE 56: Will 116 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL, United States

Safeguarding student data is crucial, yet managing DPAs and complying with SOPPA can be daunting for tech directors. This workshop offers practical strategies and collaborative opportunities for all those tasked with maintaining their district’s data privacy requirements. We'll cover best practices for SOPPA agreements, address SDPC challenges, and explore effective methods for staying organized while maintaining SOPPA compliance. Participants will network, share insights, and discuss their own strategies for handling the never-ending stream of teacher requests. Hands-on time will allow attendees to apply learned concepts and leave with enhanced confidence and strategies for maintaining district compliance and protecting student data, all while keeping your sanity!

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center

LTC EdTech Coaches Meeting

Mon. May 12, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Join our monthly virtual networking group and connect with Illinois' growing instructional technology coaching community.

Amy Graham
Amy Graham
Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center

Tech Treks: Student Data with Nearpod Reports

Mon. May 12, 2025 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Join us for a hands-on look at Nearpod's reporting capabilities, including how you can start utilizing them to make data-informed teaching decisions as soon as today.

Amy Graham
Amy Graham
Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center

Bluum Professional ChromeOS Administrator Certification Mini-Bootcamp

Tue. May 13, 2025 | 8:30 am - 2:00 pm |
Four Points by Sheraton 10249 W Irving Park Road, Schiller Park, IL, United States

We’re excited to bring you this exclusive hands-on event uniquely tailored to education IT administrators.

Join the Mini-Bootcamp to receive expert guidance in the field while preparing to earn the Professional ChromeOS

Administrator Certification. You’ll even receive a voucher for the exam — a $125 value — at no additional cost!

Here you’ll learn:

ChromeOS Fundamentals
Admin Console Fundamentals
Admin Console Actions
Exam Preparation and Resources

Seats are limited, so find the nearest location and reserve your spot today!

ROE 49 Technology Round Table

Tue. May 13, 2025 | 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

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

Tue. May 13, 2025 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | $40
Online IL, United States

Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just starting out, join us to discover how Canva can help your students become confident, capable, and creative learners!

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

ROE 4 Technology Round Table

Thu. May 15, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
ROE 4: Boone/Winnebago 300 Heart Blvd, Loves Park, 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

ROE 24 Tech Networking Meeting

Fri. May 16, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 24: Grundy/Kendall 1320 Union St, Morris, Illinois, USA

This networking session welcomes all technology professionals - technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. 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!

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

West 40 Ed Tech Coaches Meeting (Spring 2025)

Fri. May 16, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Free
ISC 2 West Cook Office 415 Lexington St, Maywood, IL, United States

Monthly meeting for educational technology coaches in the West 40 region. Each monthly gathering will include guest presenters, breakout group discussions, whole group brainstorming, and resource sharing.

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

ROE 35 Technology Round Table

Tue. May 20, 2025 | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Free
Illinois Valley Community College 815 N Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, IL, United States

Join us for an open discussion on current educational technology topics and trends.

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

School Law Update: Edtech during the 2025-26 School Year

Tue. May 20, 2025 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

School leaders - get up to speed on the latest state and federal school law developments so that you can confidently plan for the school year ahead.

Brandon Wright
Brandon Wright
Attorney, Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller Ltd.

Be Connected: Building a 5-year Tech Plan

Wed. May 21, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Where do you see your school's technology in 5 years? Come chart a course toward a strong, realistic 5-year technology plan on this week's Be Connected. From aligning with district goals to planning for infrastructure, devices, and cybersecurity, we’ll cover what it takes to future-proof your tech roadmap.

Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center

The Day the Internet Died: A Teacher’s Toolkit for Cyberattacks

Thu. May 29, 2025 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | $20
ROE 21 Training Center 502 West Jackson Street, Marion

This immersive workshop plunges you into the heart of a cyberattack, where carefully crafted digital lesson plans become useless, administrators scramble to communicate, and anxiety ripples through the school community.

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

The Day the Internet Died: A Teacher’s Toolkit for Cyberattacks

Thu. May 29, 2025 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | $20
ROE 21 Training Center 502 West Jackson Street, Marion

This immersive workshop plunges you into the heart of a cyberattack, where carefully crafted digital lesson plans become useless, administrators scramble to communicate, and anxiety ripples through the school community. But amidst the chaos, resilience emerges. Teachers tap into their creativity, communities rally together, and IT professionals fight back against the unseen enemy. Learn to identify threats, implement robust security, teach creatively without tech, and foster cyber awareness. Turn crisis into opportunity and become a cyber-savvy educator ready for any digital challenge.

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

Roll into the Future: Sphero Bolt+ and the Power of Play

Thu. May 29, 2025 | 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm | $20
ROE 21 Training Center 502 West Jackson Street, Marion

Get ready to roll into the future of education with Sphero Bolt+! This workshop invites you to unlock the power of play and explore the endless possibilities of this cutting-edge robotic ball.

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

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation

Tue. June 3, 2025 | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | $190
Oak Park and River Forest High School 201 Scoville Ave, Oak Park, 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.

Explore real-world examples of how schools are currently using AI to enhance educational outcomes and streamline operations. Learn to strategically integrate AI solutions, address ethical and privacy concerns, and nurture a culture that embraces technological advancements.

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

What is AI and How Do We Use It in Education?

Wed. June 4, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $10
ROE 49: Rock Island 3430 Avenue of The Cities, Moline, Illinois, USA

This hands-on workshop is designed for teachers of all grade levels who are interested in exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Participants will learn about the basics of AI, including its different types and applications. They will also explore how AI can be used to support teaching and learning, such as for personalized learning, adaptive assessments, and content creation.

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

3D Printing: Design, Slice, and Create with Tinkercad & 3D Slicers

Thu. June 5, 2025 | 8:30 am - 2:00 pm | $40
ROE 47: Lee/Ogle/Whiteside 1001 W 23rd St, Sterling, Illinois, USA

Explore the exciting world of 3D printing in this hands-on workshop, designed for both beginners and intermediate users. We'll start by mastering the basics of 3D design using Tinkercad, and then move on to slicing with common slicing software. Discover the essential steps to prepare your digital designs for physical creation. For those with some experience, we’ll dive a little deeper into design techniques and slicing strategies to optimize your prints, without overwhelming you with advanced technicalities. Learn how to translate your digital designs into tangible objects, gaining practical experience and confidence. This interactive session will equip you with the knowledge to bring your creative projects to life, regardless of your 3D printer.

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

An Administrators Guide to AI

Mon. June 9, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:30 am | Free
Prairieview Golf Club 6734 N German Church Rd, Byron, IL, United States

This workshop equips school administrators with the knowledge and confidence to lead engaging conversations about artificial intelligence with their communities.

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

Drones in the Classroom: Coding, STEM, and Preparing for the Future

Tue. June 10, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $233
Peoria Park District's Franciscan Recreation Complex 908 North Sterling Avenue, West Peoria, IL, United States

The use of drones is rapidly expanding across various industries, presenting new and exciting opportunities for students to engage in STEM learning and develop skills relevant to the future workforce. This hands-on workshop will explore how codeable drones can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom to foster coding skills, spark an interest in STEM, and prepare students for future tech-powered work opportunities.

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

One Small Step for AI, One Giant Leap for Educators

Wed. June 11, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Bismarck-Henning High School 17268 E 2750 North Rd, Bismarck, IL, United States

Join us for an engaging session that will take you through a brief history of AI, highlighting its evolution and current advancements, particularly in generative AI. We'll delve into the concept of AI literacy, providing foundational knowledge and practical strategies for integrating AI into your educational practice. Discover the implications of AI for education, and embark on this exciting journey to understand and leverage AI, making a significant leap in your educational approach.

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

Level-Up Your AI Game

Wed. June 11, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Free
Bismarck-Henning High School 17268 E 2750 North Rd, Bismarck, IL, United States

Ready to get hands-on with the power of Artificial Intelligence in your classroom? In this session, we will embark on a journey through a series of increasingly powerful AI tools. Designed for teachers of all tech comfort levels, this session demystifies AI and provides valuable hands-on experience.

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

Code.org CS Fundamentals

Thu. June 12, 2025 | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm | Free
Microsoft Cortex 4220 Duncan Ave #501, St. Louis, MO, United States

CS Fundamentals is an introductory workshop designed for elementary educators new to teaching computer science who want to explore how to begin teaching Code.org's CS Fundamentals curriculum. Over 85,000 teachers have participated in this original workshop already, allowing their schools to grow their in-district capacity for teaching robust CS courses!

Join your peers and experienced facilitators to get a hands-on intro to computer science, pedagogy, overviews of the online curriculum, and Code.org's teacher dashboard, as well as strategies for teaching “unplugged” classroom activities.

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

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation

Thu. June 12, 2025 | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Free
New Trier High School - Winnetka Campus 385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka, IL, United States

Explore real-world examples of how schools are currently using AI to enhance educational outcomes and streamline operations. Learn to strategically integrate AI solutions, address ethical and privacy concerns, and nurture a culture that embraces technological advancements.

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

AI 2.0: Master AI Teacher Tools and Image Creation

Thu. June 12, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $40
ROE 47: Lee/Ogle/Whiteside 1001 W 23rd St, Sterling, Illinois, USA

Dive into the world of AI-driven education with this hands-on workshop. Explore cutting-edge tools like Brisk Teaching and Magic School, designed to streamline your teaching workflow and enhance student engagement. Discover how to leverage AI for tasks like generating personalized learning materials and providing instant feedback. Additionally, learn the fundamentals of AI image creation, enabling you to produce visually stimulating content for your lessons.

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

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Policy for Staff and Students

Fri. June 13, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $25
ROE 17: DeWitt/Livingston/Logan/McLean 201 E. Grove Street, Suite 300, Bloomington, IL

As AI becomes a key player in education, establishing clear policies and guidelines is essential for responsible use in schools. This workshop provides school/district leaders with practical tips and resources to create tailored AI policies that align with district goals, as well as built-in work time to begin collaborating and crafting district-specific plans.

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

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Policy for Staff and Students

Fri. June 13, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | $25
ROE 17: DeWitt/Livingston/Logan/McLean 201 E. Grove Street, Suite 300, Bloomington, IL

As AI becomes a key player in education, establishing clear policies and guidelines is essential for responsible use in schools. This workshop provides school/district leaders with practical tips and resources to create tailored AI policies that align with district goals, as well as built-in work time to begin collaborating and crafting district-specific plans.

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

AA: Literacies of the Digital World

Wed. June 18, 2025 | 8:30 am - 2:30 pm | $25
Sauk Valley Community College 173 IL Rt 2, Dixon, IL, United States

This workshop is designed to help participants understand the importance of computer literacy, digital literacy, AI Literacy, and digital citizenship and how these skills are necessary for all students to be successful in the classroom, their careers, and for the rest of their lives. Participants will learn the differences between computer literacy, digital literacy, AI […]

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

AI for Administrators: Boosting Efficiency and Streamlining your Workday

Wed. June 18, 2025 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 4: Boone/Winnebago 300 Heart Blvd, Loves Park, Illinois, USA

This workshop is designed for district-level administrators who are eager to learn how to leverage the power of AI for increased efficiency and productivity. We'll move beyond the theoretical and dive into practical applications of AI tools that can be implemented immediately.

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

Physical and Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure (SummIT Pre-Conference)

Mon. June 23, 2025 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Free
ROE 9: Champaign/Ford 3358 Big Pine Trail, Champaign, Illinois, USA

Open to SummIT attendees and all K-12 technology leaders, this course lays the groundwork for collaboration among individuals and organizations responsible for both physical and cybersecurity - including K-12 schools, law enforcement, and more.

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

CS PD Week 2025

Mon. June 23, 2025 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | $400 – $1200

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

SummIT

Tue. June 24, 2025 | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm | $100
University of Illinois- Campus Instructional Facility 1405 W Springfield, Urbana, IL, United States

Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for tackling the toughest IT issues facing your school district while connecting with fellow tech directors and IT staff in a collaborative environment.

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

Area 6 AI Summit

Wed. June 25, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:30 pm | $100
Rend Lake College Event Center 468 North Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL, United States

Come discover AI's current and future role in education during the Area 6 AI Summit, hosted by the Learning Technology Center, ROE 12, ROE 13, ROE 20, ROE 21, and ROE 30.

Brian Bates
Brian Bates
Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning, Learning Technology Center
Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

AA 4054: Designing a Comprehensive CS Program for School Leaders

Thu. June 26, 2025 | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | $125
Capital Area Career Center 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL, United States

K-12 school leaders: discover how to successfully meet Illinois' computer science learning mandates by following research-informed practices for creating an implementation plan.

Charity Freeman
Charity Freeman
Principal Consultant, CS for Success

AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Future-Proofing your Classroom

Wed. July 9, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $35
ROE 24: Grundy/Kendall 1320 Union St, Morris, Illinois, USA

AI isn’t making our current classrooms obsolete. But if we harness this new tool for learning now, we can future-proof our classrooms and better prepare our students for many evolving learning paths ahead.

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

Working Smarter with AI

Tue. July 15, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Free
ROE 48: Peoria 2116 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL, United States

Join us for a hands-on workshop for educators ready to advance their AI journey. We'll cover the basics of AI, its impact on education, and practical classroom applications. Through group discussions and activities, you'll explore AI tools and create prompts to boost productivity. We'll focus on integrating AI into teaching strategies while addressing ethical and responsible use. By the end, you'll leave with practical strategies to confidently use AI tools, innovate curriculum design, and adapt teaching practices to meet diverse learners' needs.

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

An Educator’s Guide to Canva

Wed. July 16, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Free
ROE 48: Peoria 2116 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL, United States

This hands-on session will guide you through using Canva’s templates presentation tool, the whiteboard, and docs for lesson plans and student collaboration. Through group discussions and activities, we will explore Canva's Magic Studio tools like Magic Write, Design, Edit, and Eraser to help you effortlessly generate creative text, design captivating visuals, and enhance images.

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

Unleash Student Creativity with Digital Storytelling in Canva

Tue. July 22, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
ROE 45: Monroe/Randolph 107 E Mill St, Waterloo, Illinois, USA

What if you could tap into the captivating world of TikTok and YouTube to bring your lessons to life? This workshop explores the art of digital storytelling in the classroom. Learn how to guide your students in creating their own content using Canva, connecting your curriculum to the digital narratives they love. Join us and discover the power of student-created stories!

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

FarmBeats for Students: Hands-On Precision Agriculture with micro:bit

Tue. July 29, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Lincoln Land Community College 1 Lincoln Land Dr, Litchfield, IL, United States

This program enables students to explore modern farming technology, data-driven decision-making, and real-world applications of STEM. With a flexible, web-based platform, it’s also accessible on any device, making it easy for educators to integrate into their teaching.

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