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.

Service
Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

Service
Service

Virtual Coaching for Teachers

Customizable

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

Resources
Resource
Activity

Leprechaun Coding with Partners (Docs)

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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!

Resource
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

Resource
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

Events

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

Tech Treks: Student Data with Nearpod Reports

May 12, 2025
Free

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

Canva: Your Launchpad for Creative Learning

May 13, 2025
$40

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

West 40 Ed Tech Coaches Meeting (Spring 2025)

May 16, 2025
Free

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

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

Jun 4, 2025
$10

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

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

Jun 10, 2025
$233

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

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

One Small Step for AI, One Giant Leap for Educators

Jun 11, 2025
Free

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

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

Level-Up Your AI Game

Jun 11, 2025
Free

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

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

AI 2.0: Master AI Teacher Tools and Image Creation

Jun 12, 2025
$40

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

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

AI for Administrators: Boosting Efficiency and Streamlining your Workday

Jun 18, 2025
Free

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

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Computer Science (CS)

CS PD Week 2025

Jun 23, 2025
$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
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