Focus Area

Network & Systems Management

Technical support, guidance, and resources for planning, management, deployment, and maintenance of essential networks and systems that improve digital learning environments and increase district operation efficiency.

Building, maintaining, and managing technology infrastructure and systems

 

The LTC is with you every step of the way when it comes to keeping up with your district’s educational networks and systems, starting with planning and management and continuing through deployment and maintenance.

By attending our regular networking events, technology teams can also stay on top of the latest IT trends and get their questions answered for free by seasoned educational IT experts.

Services
Service
Professional Learning

Be Connected Series

Monthly
Free

A weekly webinar series hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services Team.

Service
Service

Cybersecurity Audits & Assessments

Free

Free district cybersecurity assessments for Illinois public school districts.

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

ILTPP Purchasing Cooperative

Free

Save money and time through ILTPP cooperative purchasing contracts.

Service
Network

LTC Online Community

Free

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

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
Service

Phishing Awareness Program

Free

Free phishing campaigns to public school districts in Illinois.

Service
Service

Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC)

Free

Join SDPC to manage data privacy agreements in accordance with SOPPA.

Service
Professional Learning

SummIT

Summer
$100

A summer technology conference for IT leaders and support staff.

Service
Service

Technology Audits & Assessments

Free

Free district technology assessments to Illinois public school districts.

Service
Consulting

Technology Consulting

Free

Free IT consulting and technical assistance to district leadership and technology teams.

Resources
Resource
Handout/Worksheet

District Website Checklist

The District Website Checklist is a component of the more extensive Legal Reference Guide published by the Learning Technology Center and is designed to assist school districts in navigating the landscape of legal obligations.

Resource
Best PracticesStandards

CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skills

The Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO is comprised of three primary professional categories in the education technology field.

Resource
Guidance

Microsoft Endpoint Manager Documentation

Microsoft’s documentation on Microsoft Endpoint Manager, including tutorials, videoes, and guides.

Resource
Guidance

Apple Deployment Guide for Education

The Apple Deployment Guide for Education is intended for technology managers and technical administrators and provides instruction on the steps of deploying Apple devices successfully in a learning environment.

Resource
Best PracticesGuidanceOrganization

K-12 Blueprint

The K-12 Blueprint offers the latest tools, research data, device information, best practices, deployment strategies, and success stories showing real-world results so that today’s education leaders can plan and implement successful technology initiatives.

Resource
Organization

Google Workspace Admin Help

Google provides a comprehensive support platform for Google Workspace Administrators.

Resource
Organization

ICN (Illinois Century Network)

ICN (Illinois Century Network) is a secure K-12 Broadband Network available at no cost for all Illinois K-12 public school districts. This program removes barriers limiting access to secure Internet bandwidth essential in today’s digital learning environment.

Resource
Report

The Broadband Imperative III

The Broadband Imperative III: Driving Connectivity, Access and Student Success report advocates for equitable, reliable, robust broadband access both on and off campus to prepare all students for life and work.

Resource
Tools and Apps

IL Broadband Interactive Map – Connect Illinois

IL Broadband Interactive Map is produced by the Illinois Broadband Lab and displays different levels of access for various stakeholders across the state.

Resource
Guidance

Technology Documentation Guide

Using Google Drive and Docs, this Technology Documentation Guide can help districts more effectively organize critical technology-related documents in a single digital repository.

Resource
Best Practices

Accessibility for K12 Schools

The design of websites and digital media should avoid creating barriers for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. Every student, staff member, and parent should be able to utilize digital content fully.

Resource
Report

2022 Work Environment, Satisfaction, and Benefits Report

Events

ROE 47 Technology Round Table

May 2, 2025
Free

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

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

ROE 16 Technology Round Table

May 7, 2025
Free

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

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

ROE 28 Technology Roundtable

May 8, 2025
Free

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

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

ROE 49 Technology Round Table

May 13, 2025
Free

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

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

ROE 4 Technology Round Table

May 15, 2025
Free

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

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

ROE 35 Technology Round Table

May 20, 2025
Free

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

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

Jun 23, 2025
Free

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

SummIT

Jun 24, 2025
$100

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
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

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
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
Accessibility

3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today

As it stands, some digital learning tools and communications are not effectively accessible by default. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that teachers like you can make their classroom’s digital content more inclusive for all learners.

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center
Google

Can ChromeOS Become your School’s Primary OS?

ChromeOS has become a student device mainstay in numerous schools. See how one Illinois school fully transitioned to using ChromeOS and Chromebooks, with a focus on functionality and staff buy-in.

Brayden Matsko
Brayden Matsko
Digital Platforms and System Integration Manager, Learning Technology Center

Coming Soon – An All-New LTC Community Experience

In 2021, the Learning Technology Center remains committed to fostering collaboration within Illinois’ edtech community. That’s why we’re proud to announce our redesigned online Community!

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center