AI Challenge: Submission Tips & Best Practices
2025-11-10 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Online, IL, United States
This session explores Playlab’s advanced features and focuses on helping coaches guide students through project refinement, including tips for enhancing references, troubleshooting issues, and testing thoroughly. Coaches will learn strategies for helping students move from working prototype to competition-ready presentation, including creating compelling demonstrations and articulating project impact. Significant time is dedicated to Q&A and peer sharing as coaches discuss challenges, share successes, and collectively problem-solve before the December 19th deadline.

Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2025 (IETC)
2025-11-12 08:00 - 2025-11-14 17:00 | Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, IL, 1, Convention Center Plaza,, Springfield, Illinois, 62701, United States
At IETC, education and technology innovators from throughout Illinois gather in our state’s capital to learn, collaborate, and connect.
Sessions focus on technology integration strategies, engaging instructional practices, digital tools and resources, and emerging trends – all with a focus on helping every K-12 district and educator harness edtech’s full potential.
With over 700 attendees, 120 sessions and workshops, and 70 vendors, IETC offers unique and intimate learning opportunities for everyone in edtech.

LTC EdTech Coaches Meeting
2025-11-12 08:30 - 09:30 | Online, IL, United States
Join fellow educators to connect and collaborate on best practices for integrating instructional technology effectively into the classroom. This meeting offers a chance to share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and discover innovative tools to enhance learning experiences.

Magic, Sheets, and AI: Let’s Explore Canva's Newest Features
2025-11-18 09:00 - 15:00 | U of I Extension Office, Carmi, 1715 College Ave, Carmi, IL, 62821, United States
Ready to revolutionize your teaching materials and empower your students with cutting-edge design tools? This workshop is your essential guide to navigating the exciting updates within Canva Education. We’ll begin by diving into the enhanced Visual Suite 2.0, a unified space where diverse teaching tools like worksheets, whiteboards, quizzes, and videos seamlessly coexist. Next, discover how Magic Studio, Canva’s intuitive suite of AI-powered tools, will empower you to create engaging content faster than ever, allowing you to generate personalized worksheets, certificates, and student feedback. We will also explore Canva Sheets, a groundbreaking feature that reimagines data organization as a visual, interactive space. Finally, unlock the transformative potential of Canva AI to go from a simple idea to impactful presentations, interactive worksheets, or polished newsletters almost instantly.
Join us for a morning of hands-on exploration to streamline your workflow, create dynamic lessons, and personalize learning experiences for every student, all within your free Canva Education account.
You’re welcome to stay just for the morning instruction or maximize your learning by joining us for the entire day.

Turn Any Document into a Student Favorite with Kami
2025-11-18 15:30 - 16:30 | Online, IL, United States
Take note – Kami’s free tools can transform student learning, one annotation at a time! Join us for a dynamic webinar where you’ll discover how to make any document interactive and more accessible for students, all using Kami’s core features.
We’ll also delve into features like annotation tools, text recognition, and various media options, as well as how to use Kami to practically boost comprehension, foster creativity, and provide differentiated support. Learn how to turn static PDFs into richer learning experiences, encourage collaboration, and empower every student to find their voice and choice in their learning journey.
Illinois educators who register here and attend live through Streamyard can earn 1.0 PD credit.

Library Media Specialist Networking Meeting
2025-11-19 08:30 - 09:30 | Online, IL, United States
Looking to connect with fellow library media specialists and grow your professional learning network?
Join Neha Thakkar and Emily Flach for a monthly virtual networking meeting explicitly geared to the needs of today’s library media specialists. These meetings will allow attendees to connect and discuss shared experiences, ask questions, and share ideas with other library media specialists from around the state. This will be an excellent opportunity to grow professionally while collaborating with your peers to solve today’s most pressing library media challenges.

Elevate Your Classroom: Empowering Education with Google Gemini
2025-11-19 09:00 - 14:00 | ROE 49 (Rock Island), 3561 60th St Suite #310, Moline, IL, 61265 4417
Discover how Google Gemini, your AI-powered assistant, can revolutionize teaching and learning in your classroom! This hands-on workshop will explore practical applications of Gemini across Google Workspace for Education, from streamlining lesson planning and creating engaging content to fostering personalized learning experiences for your students. Learn how to leverage Gemini to generate text-dependent questions, craft compelling lesson hooks, create vocabulary lists, and even differentiate reading materials to meet diverse student needs. We’ll delve into interactive strategies and best practices for integrating AI responsibly, empowering you to save valuable time and ignite creativity.
Participants need to bring a laptop or Chromebook for a truly immersive and practical learning experience.

Be Connected: IETC Recap
2025-11-19 13:00 - 13:45 | Online, IL, United States
Attending a conference can be a whirlwind of new ideas, technologies, and networking. This year’s IETC had so much to share with K-12 tech teams, including during this year’s Tech Leader Summit. Let’s recap the highlights on this week’s Be Connected!
Join us to share your favorite sessions and talk about the most exciting new products you saw in the Exhibit Hall. This a perfect opportunity to share what you learned and get a jumpstart on implementing new ideas in your district.
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Be Connected is a virtual networking series designed to spark meaningful conversations and collaboration within Illinois’ K–12 technology community.
Hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services team, each free session centers around a different relevant topic, ranging from infrastructure planning and cybersecurity to emerging tools, networking strategies, and day-to-day IT challenges. These informal yet purposeful sessions offer a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Explore upcoming session topics: https://ltc-braydenstg.mystagingwebsite.com/services/beconnected/

Canva for Beginners
2025-11-19 15:30 - 17:00 | Online, IL, United States
Tired of spending your evenings and weekends creating lesson plans and classroom materials from scratch? Ready to unlock the power of AI to create engaging, professional-looking resources in minutes?
This virtual workshop is designed specifically for educators like you! I will guide you through Canva’s platform and magic studio tools. To get the most of this workshop, have a Canva account set up.

AI Plagiarism Playbook
2025-11-20 09:00 - 14:00 | ROE 28, 107 S State St, Atkinson, Illinois, 61235 9788, USA
In an era where AI-generated text is increasingly sophisticated, this workshop equips educators with essential strategies to address AI misuse and redesign writing tasks that prioritize genuine student thinking. We will explore the evolving definition of plagiarism, examining how the lines are blurring and what this means for writing instruction. Through interactive discussion, you’ll discover EdTech tools that make the writing process visible, enabling you to track student revisions and idea development. This session will also guide you in transforming assignment design with built-in checkpoints and personalized prompts that cannot be outsourced to AI. Finally, we will explore methods for thoughtfully integrating AI as a creative tool to foster deeper thinking and improve writing, ensuring academic integrity while evolving your pedagogical approach.

ROE 11 Tech Networking Meeting
2025-11-20 09:30 - 11:30 | ROE 11, 730 7th St, Charleston, Illinois, 61920 2101, USA
Curious about how other district technology leaders are tackling challenges and initiatives in their districts? Do you have new technology projects/upgrades going on in your district that others might want to hear about? Share your voice and network with colleagues at our open discussion!
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!

E-Rate Essentials: Form 470 Virtual Workshop
2025-11-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Online, IL, United States
Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!
This 2-hour virtual session will cover basic E-Rate program rules, eligible items, and the process required to complete the first E-Rate form of the year, Form 470. Mindy Fiscus, IL State E-Rate Coordinator, will also be on hand to answer questions, provide timely program updates, and offer tips and tools for making your E-Rate life easier.
Reminder: All eligible institutions must submit Form 470 if they are seeking new services and/or equipment for the upcoming funding year.
Participants must bring a wi-fi enabled device and current student enrollment data (Fall SIS report or current CEP form) if they wish to complete Form 470 along with the group.

AI for ELA: Crafting Compelling Content & Critical Readers
2025-11-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Online, IL, United States
This virtual workshop is designed for English Language Arts teachers ready to leverage artificial intelligence for practical classroom applications and responsible integration. Dive into hands-on techniques for generating differentiated reading passages, crafting engaging writing prompts, creating targeted vocabulary lists, and even designing custom rubrics! We’ll explore how AI can enhance instruction and student engagement through personalized learning and initial writing feedback. Critically, this session will equip you to navigate the ethical landscape of AI, with discussions around academic integrity, bias, and data privacy. You’ll gain strategies to foster AI literacy in your students, empowering them to critically evaluate information and use AI responsibly, ensuring you leave with actionable ideas for your ELA classroom.

ROE 9 & ROE 54 Tech Networking Meeting
2025-11-21 09:00 - 11:00 | ROE 9, 3358 Big Pine Trail, Champaign, Illinois, 61822 1406, USA

The K-12 Tech Director's AI Playbook: From Policy to Implementation
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-31 | IL
Note: This webinar is offered on-demand.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s the hottest topic in EdTech today. For K-12 technology leaders, this rapid shift has created immense pressure and a flood of urgent questions around security, academic integrity, and student data privacy. Moving past ineffective AI bans is no longer an option; building a strategic framework for its use is necessary. But where do you start when the landscape changes daily?
Join CTL and the expert hosts of the K-12 Tech Talk podcast for a strategic, no-nonsense webinar designed to give you a clear roadmap for managing AI in your district. We’ll cut through the noise and provide a practical playbook, sharing real-world insights and best-practice guidance from the trenches of K-12 technology leadership.
In this session, you will learn how to:

Build a Future-Proof AI Policy. Move beyond bans with actionable guidelines on everything from academic integrity to proper citation. All attendees will receive a free, customizable Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) template updated for the age of AI.
Protect Student Data & Ensure Compliance. The #1 fear for tech directors is student data being absorbed into public AI models. Get the essential checklist of questions to ask every AI vendor to guarantee FERPA and CIPA compliance and prevent your sensitive student information from becoming part of their training data.
Navigate the “Walled Garden vs. Open Tool” Debate. Confidently decide between integrated platforms and powerful openly available tools to best serve your students and staff.
Assess Your Infrastructure Readiness. Learn how to determine if your network and devices are prepared for the demands of new AI applications and how to defend against AI-powered cybersecurity threats.
Empower Your Educators. Discover a practical framework for comparing AI tools for instructional use and learn best practices for getting your teachers and students ready for effective and responsible implementation, including PDt. Get your free spreadsheet for evaluating AI programs.
Using the AI Tools in Google Admin Console. We will demonstrate how you can use the built-in Gemini AI tools for managing your Chromebook and other ChromeOS device fleets.

This is more than a webinar—it’s your opportunity to gain the clarity and confidence needed to lead your district’s AI strategy. Leave with the tools, advice, and actionable steps to transform AI from a source of chaos into a powerful catalyst for learning.

Who Should Attend: K-12 Technology Directors, CIOs, IT Managers, and anyone responsible for technology strategy and implementation in schools.

K-12 Cybersecurity on a Budget. Doing More with Less in the Age of Cuts.
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-31 | IL
Note: This webinar is offered on-demand.

2025 has brought unprecedented challenges for school district technology teams working to protect student and staff data and ensure online safety. With phishing attacks and data breaches on the rise, and federal cybersecurity support programs rolled back, how can K–12 districts maintain strong digital defenses and still safeguard students?
This ManagedMethods on-demand webinar features a panel of K-12 tech pros, including Tim Miles, Director of Technology at Steamboat Springs SD, Austin Isaacks, Director of Information Technology at High Island ISD, and Claire Sexton, Cybersecurity Administrator at Kingman Unified SD. We explore the current threat landscape, share budget-conscious strategies, and discuss how layered defenses and smart tech adoption can strengthen cybersecurity and student safety, even with strained resources.

Level Up Your Teaching: Google Educator Level 2 Certification
2025-12-01 09:00 - 15:00 | ROE 50 (St. Clair), 1000 S Illinois St, Belleville, Illinois, 62220 2537, USA
Are you looking to maximize your use of Google tools in education? Join our Google Educator Level 2 Certification Workshop and discover how to effectively integrate a wide range of Google tools to enhance your teaching practices and engage 21st-century learners.
In this workshop, you will
-Dive deep into Google’s educational tools: Explore advanced features in Gmail, Slides, Drawings, Scholar, Books, Google Arts & Culture, Earth, Maps, Sites, Blogger, YouTube, Classroom, Keep, and Trends.
-Master advanced skills: Learn organizational strategies for Drive, explore learning models to help personalize the learning experience, build collaborative lessons with Docs, conduct research with Scholar, analyze data with Sheets, create assessments with Forms, utilize advanced search techniques, and learn how to effectively utilize Chrome Add-ons and Extensions.
-Prepare for the certification exam: We’ll break down the exam requirements and provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to pass confidently.
– Boost your teaching toolkit: Even if you don’t plan to take the exam, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical strategies for integrating Google tools in your classroom.
This workshop is perfect for educators of all levels who want to:
-Expand their knowledge of Google for Education tools.
-Develop effective technology integration strategies.
-Enhance their teaching practices and engage students.
Prerequisites:
– Bring a Chromebook or laptop with access to a Google for Education account.
– No prior certification is required.
Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your teaching! Reserve your spot today.
Learn more about the certification: https://edu.google.com/teacher-center/certifications/educator-level2/?modal_active=none

Let’s Get Google Certified! Level 1 (Day 1)
2025-12-01 09:00 - 15:00 | ROE 11, 730 7th St, Charleston, Illinois, 61920 2101, USA
Are you ready to take your Google skills to the next level? Reserve your spot today in this TWO DAY Google Educator Level 1 workshop (December 1st & 9th).
In this workshop, we will break down the Google Educator Level 1 certification exam into smaller parts while preparing you to take and pass the exam. Each training segment will cover different Google-related tools, including Chrome and Slides, Drive and Docs, Gmail and Calendar, Classroom and Meet, Forms and Sheets, YouTube and Sites, and finally, test prep tips.
Level 1 certification indicates a fundamental understanding of using Google Tools in the classroom and confirms standard technology implementation skills. Educators who pass the certification test will be able to promote their status with a personal certificate and badge. Certification lasts 36 months.

ROE 51 Tech Leadership Meeting
2025-12-02 10:00 - 12:00 | ROE 51, 2201 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL, 62703 4564
You’re invited to an open forum to explore the latest topics and trends in educational technology. This is a unique networking opportunity for all ed-tech professionals—from technology directors to instructional coaches and everyone in between—to connect and discuss the evolving landscape of technology in our schools.
While a brief presentation may kick things off, the heart of this meeting will be a participant-led discussion. Come prepared to share your experiences, tackle common challenges, and gain valuable insights from your peers.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Celebrating CS Ed Week with Code.org's Hour of AI
2025-12-02 15:30 - 16:30 | Online, IL, United States
For over a decade, we’ve celebrated CS Ed Week with an Hour of Code. This year, we’re adding to our annual celebration with a new Code.org hour for students – Hour of AI!
Join us for a celebration packed with inspirational learning experiences for students, teachers, and families. Whether your students are new to AI or walk in with some prior experience, you’ll gain tools and information to help you launch a successful Hour of AI for your classroom or district. Along the way, we’ll also explore a hands-on learning lesson, share resources, and generate ideas for your roll out.
This webinar is for anyone who wants to learn more about Code.org‘s Hour of AI. All experiences, all grades* welcome.
*Student activities are suited for 3rd grade and older

ROE 30 Technology Roundtable
2025-12-03 12:30 - 14:30 | ROE 30 – Admin Center, 101 Spero Dr, Murphysboro, IL, 62966, United States
Join us for an open discussion on the current state of technology in our schools. This networking meeting is designed for technology directors, instructional technology coaches, and anyone interested in the intersection of education and IT. We’ll tackle challenges, share successes, and explore the evolving edtech landscape. Come brainstorm, ask questions, and connect with colleagues. Whether you’re seeking solutions, want to stay ahead of trends, or need a supportive space, this meeting is for you!

Be Connected: Hyperconverged Infrastructure - Pros & Cons for Schools
2025-12-03 13:00 - 13:45 | Online, IL, United States
Considering a new data center architecture for your school district? Let’s discuss a practical option on this week’s Be Connected.
Tune in for an overview of Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI), a solution that combines computing, storage, and networking into a single system. We’ll weigh the pros and cons, from simplified management and scalability to potential costs and vendor lock-in, to help you determine if HCI is the right fit for modernizing your district’s IT environment.
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Be Connected is a virtual networking series designed to spark meaningful conversations and collaboration within Illinois’ K–12 technology community.
Hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services team, each free session centers around a different relevant topic, ranging from infrastructure planning and cybersecurity to emerging tools, networking strategies, and day-to-day IT challenges. These informal yet purposeful sessions offer a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Explore upcoming session topics: https://ltc-braydenstg.mystagingwebsite.com/services/beconnected/

Design Like a Pro: Crafting Visual Resources with Canva
2025-12-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Online, IL, United States
Ready to transform your classroom resources and captivate your students with stunning visuals? This 2-hour virtual workshop is specifically designed for educators eager to unlock the power of visual communication. We’ll explore how Canva can be a game-changer for creating dynamic flyers, engaging slide presentations, and a wealth of other visual resources that will bring your visual design to life. You’ll learn fundamental design principles, discover handy tips and tricks for efficiency, and leave with the confidence to craft visually compelling materials that resonate with your students. No prior design experience is necessary, just a desire to make your teaching resources more impactful and visually appealing.

School Law Update: Edtech Trends You Need to Know Going into 2026
2025-12-03 15:30 - 16:30 | Online, IL, United States
What have the state and federal legislature and courts been up to? What new or revised education and technology laws need to be on your radar?
Join Attorney Brandon K. Wright, an edtech law expert, as he explores these critical updates and offers insights on edtech trends that may impact how your school plans and operates.
Brandon will also be available to answer questions and provide insights on how K-12 leaders can ensure their district is on track to comply with current and forthcoming mandates.
Illinois educators who register here and attend live through Streamyard can earn 1.0 PD credit.

ROE 21 Technology Roundtable
2025-12-04 09:00 - 11:00 | ROE 21 – Training Center, 502 West Jackson Street, Marion, IL, 62959, United States

ROE 56 Tech Networking Meeting
2025-12-04 09:30 - 11:00 | ROE 56 (WIll), 116 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States

Technology Leaders Collaborative
2025-12-04 13:00 - 15:00 | North Cook ISC, 1001 E Touhy Ave, Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL, 60018 3225
We bring together K–12 technology leaders from across the region for two hours of conversation and collaboration. These meetings are meant to be practical and useful: a space to share what’s working in your districts, talk through current challenges, and learn from one another’s experiences. We’ll also highlight timely topics in school technology, invite participants to showcase tools or solutions, and leave plenty of time for open discussion. By connecting regularly, we can build a stronger network of support and ideas that makes the work of leading technology in schools a little easier and a lot less isolated.

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop
2025-12-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Online, IL, United States
Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!
This 2-hour virtual session will cover basic E-Rate program rules, eligible items, and the process required to complete the first E-Rate form of the year, Form 470. Mindy Fiscus, IL State E-Rate Coordinator, will also be on hand to answer questions, provide timely program updates, and offer tips and tools for making your E-Rate life easier.
All eligible institutions must submit Form 470 if they are seeking new services and/or equipment for the upcoming funding year. Participants must bring a wi-fi enabled device and current student enrollment data (Fall SIS report or current CEP form) if they wish to complete Form 470 along with the group.

ROE 3 AI Summit
2025-12-05 09:00 - 14:30 | ROE 3 – Professional Development Center, 1500 W Jefferson St, Vandalia, IL, 62471, United States
The Regional Office of Education 3 is excited to partner with the Illinois Learning Technology Center (LTC) to announce the AI Summit: Unlocking the Power of AI in Education. We will be kicking off the event with a powerful keynote entitled “Beyond the Hype: Practical Applications of AI in the Classroom” followed by your choice of three highly engaging breakout sessions.
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cost to attend the event is $100/person and lunch will be provided. Each participant will receive 5.0 PD hours.
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Welcome
9:15 a.m. -10:15 a.m. Keynote with Ben Sondgeroth
10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Breakout Session #1
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lunch
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Breakout Session #2
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Breakout Session #3
