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

Tinkercad & Other Tech Tools to Engage Students with STEM Concepts

Mon. July 28, 2025 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm | Free
ROE 40 Carlinville Office 225 E Nicholas St, Carlinville, IL, United States

Teachers (4th-12th grade) will explore how to incorporate Tinkercad into the math, science, or computer classroom. Teachers will design their own object with TinkerCad which will be printed using a 3D printer. Teachers will learn about Spheros and also discover free tech tools (pattern blocks, sweethome3d, flipanim, Phet.Colorado.EDU, Physlets.org/tracker, GIS, Desmos) that add in the teaching, learning, and application of STEM topics.

Kelly Remijan
Kelly Remijan
Director of STEM Initiatives, ROE 40
Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central 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

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Policy for Staff and Students

Wed. August 6, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $100
Manhattan Junior High School 15414 Smith Rd, Manhattan, IL, United States

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

Elevate Your AI Skills | Special Education Edition

Tue. September 16, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

This workshop is designed for special education teachers seeking to elevate their foundational AI skills. We'll explore advanced prompting and expanded AI toolsets, empowering you to create deeply personalized learning experiences. Master AI's ability to develop data-driven IEP goals, implement progress monitoring, and craft targeted behavior plans. Learn to effectively employ AI for advanced differentiation and tailored accommodations, ensuring every student thrives.

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

Power-Up Book Study: EdTech Essentials in the Age of AI by Monica Burns

Mon. September 29, 2025 | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | $20
Online IL, United States

Designed like a video game, this self-paced experience lets you level up by reading and completing hands-on challenges. Join in to earn up to 9 PD credits + learn directly from author during a capstone Q&A.

Linda DeYounge
Linda DeYounge
Program Manager of Online Learning, Learning Technology Center

Q&A with Monica Burns: Tips for the Age of AI

Wed. October 29, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Hear insights from a leading edtech voice on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning, as well as answers to your questions about technology's evolving role in the classroom.

Monica Burns
Monica Burns
Author, Speaker, and Ed Tech Consultant, Class Tech Tips

Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2025 (IETC)

Wed. November 12, 2025 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | $250
Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, IL 1, Convention Center Plaza,, Springfield, Illinois, United States

Learn, collaborate, and connect with fellow edtech enthusiasts and leaders during a multi-day professional learning experience ideal for collaborating one-on-one with peers and forging meaningful connections.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center