Connect. Learn. Lead. A bi-weekly networking series for K-12 tech teams.
Be Connected is a virtual networking series designed to spark meaningful conversations and collaboration within Illinois’ K–12 technology community.
Hosted by the Learning Technology Center’s Technology Services team, each free session centers around a timely and relevant topic, ranging from infrastructure planning and cybersecurity to emerging tools, networking strategies, and day-to-day IT challenges.
These sessions are informal yet purposeful, offering a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.
In addition to open discussion, we regularly feature guest speakers from the field, including district leaders, industry professionals, and subject-matter experts who bring practical insights and innovative solutions. Whether you’re exploring new technologies or tackling persistent issues, these voices offer fresh perspectives your team can count on.
Every session is a new opportunity to:
Join us every other week and be part of the conversation around supporting and safeguarding today’s tech-powered schools.
There’s a better way to patch! Let’s dig into how your district can shift from reactive clicking to a structured lifecycle of testing and deploying updates across servers, workstations, and network firmware.
A strong firewall can’t do much if someone has unauthorized access to your server room or a network jack. Learn how to lock out that vulnerability by “locking and logging” IDF closets and disabling unused wall ports.
Come compare the foundational “big three” paths—CompTIA for vendor-neutral security, Cisco for network infrastructure, and Microsoft/Google for cloud ecosystem mastery— and discuss re-focusing om professional development that actually impacts district operations.
Special guest Tony Collings, Cybersecurity State Coordinator, joins the conversation to share how CISA’s no-cost Cyber Hygiene Services, including weekly scans and reports, help K-12 districts monitor their internet-facing assets.
