Illinois Digital Educators Alliance

08/24/2026

The votes are rolling in! Here is a look at what fairgoers think will be the most important skills for the future. Problem-solving took the lead the other day on our interactive board. Do you agree? Tell us in the comments what you think the top skill will be!

08/24/2026

Is this true?

08/19/2026

08/16/2026

🐝 Bee curious. Bee hopeful. Bee connected. It is World Honey Bee Day, which reminds us that some of the most important work happens through connection. Bees thrive together—and so do educators.

Members of the IDEA Illinois team were reminded of that at Barrington 220’s Opening Day Institute, where Jason Kotecki challenged us to resist “Adultitis” and make room for greater whimsy, wonder, and optimism.

Jason’s deeply personal Bee Optimistic story reminds us that we cannot always control what happens, but we can choose how we respond—and sometimes a little playfulness can help carry hope through even the hardest moments.

That feels especially meaningful as a new school year begins. May we be educators who:

🐝 Bee curious enough to keep learning
🐝 Bee brave enough to try something new
🐝 Bee generous enough to share what works
🐝 Bee playful enough to bring joy into serious work
🐝 Bee connected—because none of us has to do this alone

Thank you, Jason, for sharing your story and your wisdom—and thank you to our friends at Barrington 220 for creating a joyful space in which educators could connect, reflect, and begin the year inspired.

What is one small way you will bring more whimsy into your work this year?

Discover the story behind Jason's Bee Optimistic:https://shop.escapeadulthood.com/collections/bee-optimistic



https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjfuller and linkedin.com/in/joe-robinson-344071a

We can’t control what happens to us in life, but we can control how we react to it. My dad brought that old cliché to life for our family in a most unusual way, and we’ll never be the same. During an emergency family meeting, my father told us that he had cancer while dressed as a...bee. (My mo...

08/16/2026

Across Illinois, educators are finding creative ways to use video production to give students a voice, build digital-age skills, and bring learning to life.

We know there are some incredible examples happening in classrooms across the state, and we’d love to learn about them.

Who is doing interesting or innovative work with student video production in your school or community?

We’ll go first.

Check out teacher Jon Belonio and DG58Art, where students help create episodes and put creativity, communication, technology, and authentic learning into practice.

Connect • Grow • Share • Inspire

https://youtu.be/oF8h7NzuF4s?feature=shared

Belonio Doodles

SEASON FINALE!

08/15/2026

Did you know today is National Relaxation Day?

For many educators across Illinois, the 2026–2027 school year has already begun—or is just about to. Before the pace of the year takes over, take a few minutes to pause, breathe, and be present.

Remember why you chose this profession. Every student, every classroom, and every connection matters.

We'd love to hear from you: What's one thing that helps you recharge during the school year? This doesn't have to be technology related as we all agree, technology has its place and that doesn't mean using it just to use it.

08/15/2026

Now this is taking an appreciation for technology to a new level. What do you think?

08/14/2026

As classrooms across Illinois come back to life, we want to wish every educator, student, leader, and school community an incredible start to the 2026–27 school year.

New year. New possibilities. New moments to Connect. Grow. Share. Inspire.

Here’s to the educators who make those moments possible every single day.

Have a great year, Illinois! 💙

08/14/2026

📅 Save the Date for IDEAcon 2027! 📍 Tinley Park Convention Center

Join educators from across Illinois for two days of connection, growth, sharing, and inspiration.

January 19–20, 2027

More details are coming soon. Visit ideaillinois.org/IDEAcon to learn more.

Together, we shape the future of digital-age learning, inspire innovation, and thoughtfully explore emerging technologies.

05/15/2026

School front offices deal with the same parent questions all day: “What time does school start?”, “How do I register?”, “When is the deadline?”

Our partners at Tochan AI have an AI chatbot that answers 85% of these instantly and supports your school community 24/7, giving staff time back for what actually matters. Book a demo for your school today ↓
tochanai.com