Learning Technology Center

New, new, new Google and Canva features, just in time for the new, new, new school year 🆕 🏫

Tune in for demos of fresh features that support resource creation and cut into tasks that eat up your prep period.

Featured updates:

✅ Google Workspace: Docs, Slides, Forms, and Classroom
✅ Google Gemini: AI features for brainstorming, creating, organizing
✅ Canva for Education: New AI-powered tools, design features, and classroom resources

📅 Skip the Tutorial: What’s New in Google and Canva | August 31 | Webinar

🔗 https://www.ltcillinois.org/event/skip-the-tutorial-whats-new-in-google-and-canva/

✨SCHOOL LEADERS: don't miss this ISBE-led webinar covering Illinois' new AI guidance, including:

✔ Practical use cases
✔ Legal and policy considerations
✔ Customizable tools and resources to support implementation

Superintendents, check your inbox 📧 for an invitation to our Artificial Intelligence Guidance webinar. Attendees will receive an overview of ISBE’s AI Guidance, review practical use cases, learn about legal and policy considerations, and explore customizable tools and resources to support implementation.

https://okt.to/G0Y1BA

TOMORROW at 1PM ⤵

FUNDING 💰 The FCC is seeking feedback on proposed changes to E-Rate, including:

☑️ Student protections (screen time limits and C**A)
☑️ Proposed new rules around using consultants
☑️ If the program should be sunset

Join E-Rate expert Mindy Fiscus to discuss your questions and learn how you can submit comments that advocate for your district's perspective.

📅 E-Rate Update: FCC NPRM Roundtable Discussion | July 29, 1 PM | Online

🔗 https://www.ltcillinois.org/event/e-rate-update-fcc-nprm-roundtable-discussion/

COMING UP NEXT WEEK ⤵

New to teaching K-8 computer science or STEM? 🐥 👩‍🔬

Hit the ground running before the school year starts with a FREE, intensive, online workshop where you’ll:

✅ Explore curriculum design using the engineering process and design thinking
✅ Learn to cultivate a resilient, “fail-forward” mindset in students
✅ Discover how to leverage the power of purposeful play
✅ Uncover the foundations of high-impact STEM teaching

📅 New to You! Welcome to CS & STEM Bootcamp (K-8) | August 4 | 9:00 am - 2:30 pm

🔗 https://www.ltcillinois.org/event/new-to-you-welcome-to-cs-stem-bootcamp-k-8/

🌱 AI readiness starts in local communities.

We're honored to announce that the Learning Technology Center (Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education #9) has been selected for aiEDU 2026 Community Catalyst Program!

With this grant, we'll be able to convene a cohort of leadership teams from 8-10 rural school districts, helping them build capacity and empowering them to design, establish, and launch their own long-term AI implementation road map.

We're proud to join seven organizations across the country working to ensure every student—no matter where they live—is prepared for an AI-powered future.

📍Meet the full slate of grantees:
https://www.aiedu.org/aiedu-blog/meet-the-2026-community-catalyst-grantees

FUNDING 💰 The FCC is seeking feedback on proposed changes to E-Rate, including:

☑️ Student protections (screen time limits and C**A)
☑️ Proposed new rules around using consultants
☑️ If the program should be sunset

Join E-Rate expert Mindy Fiscus to discuss your questions and learn how you can submit comments that advocate for your district's perspective.

📅 E-Rate Update: FCC NPRM Roundtable Discussion | July 29, 1 PM | Online

🔗 https://www.ltcillinois.org/event/e-rate-update-fcc-nprm-roundtable-discussion/

Superintendents, check your inbox 📧 for an invitation to our Artificial Intelligence Guidance webinar. Attendees will receive an overview of ISBE’s AI Guidance, review practical use cases, learn about legal and policy considerations, and explore customizable tools and resources to support implementation.

https://okt.to/kGS9cJ

Your AI-powered digital front desk is here – and it knows your district from top to bottom 💬

Introducing K12Smart Chat, an affordable, AI-powered website assistant that helps families, staff, and community members quickly find information on your district website, 24/7, in 20+ languages.

This friendly bot draws answers from the websites, docs, and calendars you choose – and if it can’t find one, escalation to a human staff member is quick and seamless.

Ready for a demo? ⤵️

🔗 https://k12smart.com/

New to teaching K-8 computer science or STEM? 🐥 👩‍🔬

Hit the ground running before the school year starts with a FREE, intensive, online workshop where you’ll:

✅ Explore curriculum design using the engineering process and design thinking
✅ Learn to cultivate a resilient, “fail-forward” mindset in students
✅ Discover how to leverage the power of purposeful play
✅ Uncover the foundations of high-impact STEM teaching

📅 New to You! Welcome to CS & STEM Bootcamp (K-8) | August 4 | 9:00 am - 2:30 pm

🔗 https://www.ltcillinois.org/event/new-to-you-welcome-to-cs-stem-bootcamp-k-8/

New name. New Look. Same way to unlock your school’s purchasing power 🔓

ILTPP is now the LTC Purchasing Program, an LTC service that helps members save time, money, and effort while supplying a modern, tech-powered learning environment.

Streamlined procurement has been the program's mission since 1996. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward, ensuring that access to affordable, high-quality education essentials are always in the budget.

🔗 https://www.ltcillinois.org/procure/