Focus Area

Classroom Technology Integration

Support for classrooms and districts focused on making the most of their edtech tools, including hardware, software, and emerging solutions.

Technology in the classroom to enhance student learning

Leveraging technology to enhance student learning requires more than just the latest apps or devices. A clear, intentional integration strategy is crucial for success. At the Learning Technology Center (LTC), we provide the resources and training necessary to empower educators with cutting-edge educational technology.

Our team comprises former educators with decades of classroom experience. We understand the challenges you face, which is why we offer practical, empathetic support for technology integration. Our goal is to keep you at the forefront of educational innovation while respecting your expertise and unique classroom needs.


Services
Service
Database

Badge & Certification Directory

Database of education and edtech certifications.

Service
Professional Learning

Custom PD for Districts and Schools

Customizable

Customized edtech professional learning to meet the needs of districts and schools.

Service
Database

Esport Directory

A database of K12 esport teams in Illinois.

Service
Professional Learning

Google Professional Learning

Customizable

Earn Google certification, participate in Google professional development, and receive support from the LTC, Googe’s top Illinois’ partner.

Service
Professional Learning

IETC Conference

November
$175+

The Illinois Education and Technology Conference, held annually in Springfield, brings together educators and tech experts to explore innovative teaching methods and leverage technology for enhanced learning statewide.

Service
Service

Instructional Technology Coaching Program

Year-Long
Customizable

High-quality and embedded instructional technology coaching throughout the entire year.

Service
Network

LTC Online Community

Free

A free online community for educators, admin, and technology leaders.

Service
Professional Learning

Microsoft Professional Learning

Customizable

Hands-on, problem-based learning through our Microsoft Partnership.

Service
Network

Networking Meetings

Free

Connect, learn, and share with your colleagues from around the state at both in-person and virtual networking events.

Service
Professional Learning

Online Courses

Free and Paid

Self-guided professional learning that supports educators’ use of digital tools for teaching and learning.

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Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

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Service

Virtual Coaching for Teachers

Customizable

Receive virtual coaching for your team, school, or district from our instructional technology coaches.

Resources
Resource
Best Practices

Principles for Supporting Meaningful Tech Integration

International and strategic integration can ensure technology enhances, not replaces, student-centered learning. This resource highlights five tech integration principles that can amplify authentic tech-powered learning.

Resource
Guidance

Connecting Strategic Goals to Instructional Technology Coaching

Embracing technology isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity. See how an instructional technology coach can help bring your district’s technology utilization goals to life.

Resource
Video

LTC Community Orientation Videos

Video tutorials on navigating the LTC Community, the LTC’s free professional learning community.

Resource
Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

Conversations from the heart of education and technology with Brian and Matt.

Resource
Handout/Worksheet

Esports Program Checklist

Empower Your New Esports Team at your School with Our Comprehensive Checklist! Unveil the potential of your budding esports squad using this all-inclusive checklist. From recruitment and practice schedules to team branding, our checklist ensures

Resource
Video

Five End-of-Year Tech Activities | LTC Monthly Tech Tip Video | May 2023

Check out these five end-of-year tech activities that will keep your students engaged and productive until the last day of the school year!

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Resource Collections

3D Printing Resources

Technology Integration is fundamental for an effective digital learning experience, here’s an Infographic with 8 digital skills every teacher needs to know along side with the best programs to support them!

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Resource CollectionsTools and Apps

8 Digital Skills Every Teacher Needs

Technology Integration is fundamental for an effective digital learning experience, here’s an Infographic with 8 digital skills every teacher needs to know along side with the best programs to support them!

Resource
Video

Tips to Enhance Google Classroom to Save You & Your Students Time! | LTC Tech Tip | Part 1

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Video

Re-Engaging Students with Transferrable Teaching and Learning Practices

Resource
Video

At a Glance: Simple Tips to Organize in Color with Google Workspace | Monthly Tech Tip

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Video

Tips for Teaching Cybersecurity | LTC Webinar

Events

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

Apr 1, 2025
Free

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

AI 2.0: Image Creation and Digital Citizenship in the AI World

Apr 4, 2025
$40

In this hands-on workshop, teachers of all grade levels will explore the use of AI for image creation and discuss the importance of digital citizenship in this new era of AI-generated content. Participants will learn

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

Take STEM Learning to New Heights with Drones

Apr 11, 2025
$250

With plenty of uses in the ever-changing workforce, drones offer an engaging opportunity to teach our students real-world skills. With a drone in hand, your students’ STEM learning can truly take flight; all it takes

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

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

Apr 16, 2025
$25

Tired of the same old teaching routines? Blast boredom our of your classroom with Canva, which can help you and your students embark on a creative journey towards impactful learning.

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

One Size Does Not Fit All: Resources to Support UDL

Apr 22, 2025
Free

Discover powerful, easy-to-use online tools and resources that bring Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to life in your reading, writing, and math classroom.

Anastasia Alter
Anastasia Alter
Assistive Technology Facilitator, Infinitec

Infusing Technology in the ELA Classroom

Apr 24, 2025
$40

Specifically for ELA Teachers, this workshop will address meaningful, productive, creative, and content-specific uses of technology in the classroom. We will focus on a multitude of tools and resources that can transform learning in ELA

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

Applying Canva in your Classroom

Apr 24, 2025
Free

Are you familiar with the basics of Canva and want to learn more? Discover how Canva can transform your teaching and engage your students! This hands-on session will guide you through using Canva’s Presentation tool,

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

Tech Treks: Canva for Video Creations (Lights, Action, Canva Video!)

Apr 24, 2025
Free

Explore how to design and produce your own video content in Canva. Leave inspired to make a tutorial, a video newsletter, a class newscast, or so much more!

Emily Pool
Emily Pool
Professional Learning Specialist, Learning Technology Center

Hey Google! Help Me Design Creative Lessons!

Apr 28, 2025
$40

In 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

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

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

Apr 30, 2025
Free

Tired of the same old teaching routines? Blast boredom our of your classroom with Canva, which can help you and your students embark on a creative journey towards impactful learning.

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

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

May 2, 2025
$20

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

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

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

May 8, 2025
$20

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

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

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

“A New Outlook” – Takeaways from the Remote Learning Conference

Back on Friday, January 15, the Learning Technology Center wrapped up a first-of-its-kind conference centered on education’s most recent evolution. The Remote Learning Conference marked a major leap forward for collaboration in Illinois’ edtech community,

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
AR/VRNetworkingProfessional LearningRobotics

“Keeping it real with real educators” – Takeaways from IETC 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. Read up on highlights from this year’s conference,

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Virtual PD Event

With this new style of virtual professional development, there is a clear learning curve. Here are the top 10 tips to help you make the most of your next virtual conference.

Nicole Zumpano
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center
Artificial Intelligence (AI)

11 Questions to Ask Before using AI in the Classroom

Before jumping on the AI bandwagon, educators need to ask these questions to ensure this emerging technology helps—not hinders—student learning.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
NetworkingProfessional Learning

2023 Education Conferences for Teachers, Administrators & Coaches

No matter your role in education and technology, conferences remain one of the best places to explore new strategies, discover new resources, and connect with peers. Check out all of these note-worthy edtech conferences coming

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