Category: ILTPP News & Updates

ILTPP Announces Ambassador Program

Posted on | by Hope
Amanda Bruns
Amanda Bruns Member Engagement Manager | Learning Technology Center

The Illinois Learning Technology Purchasing Program (ILTPP) is proud to announce its new Ambassador program and its first class of ILTPP Ambassadors.

Representing districts from across Illinois, the Ambassador program will generate insights and advocacy that’ll help connect more K-12 districts with cooperative purchasing’s full power.

“It’s a natural step forward,” says Amanda Burns, ILTPP Member Engagement Manager. “As we work to connect with new districts and deepen our relationship with current members, we need enthusiastic voices to share how cooperative purchasing has impacted their students. Our Ambassadors will be that voice, and we can’t wait to hear what they have to say.”

Bringing Innovative Edtech Minds Together

The ILTPP Ambassador program is focused on bringing together edtech pacemakers from around the state and putting their shared wisdom into action. In turn, it empowers K-12 educators and technology leaders to play a central role in influencing the edtech landscape, both in and beyond their district.

In addition to championing the program’s benefits, Ambassadors contribute their insights to ILTPP publications, collaborate with fellow tech leaders, and provide valuable feedback that shapes ILTPP’s new and ongoing initiatives.

With representatives from Little Egypt, the Quad Cities, and many districts in between, the Ambassador program also ensures that ILTPP’s programs and services continue to meet all Illinois schools’ evolving needs.

Join us in congratulating and welcoming these Ambassadors as they step into their new roles:

2024 ILTPP Ambassadors

Justin Morgan

Network Administrator | Trico CUSD 176

Justin has dedicated over a decade to educational technology leadership in his time at Trico CUSD 176. There, he has led countless technology initiatives and worked in his local community to advance tech-centered advancements, including a K-2 tablet pilot program and a community hotspots program.

He says, “I’m excited to work with ILTPP as an ambassador to continue my passion for innovative problem-solving.”

Brayden Matsko

IT Coordinator | St. Michael The Archangel School (Streator)

With his recent student experience, Brayden brings a unique perspective to the Ambassador program that adds focus to IT’s impact on current learners.

In his current role, Brayden has helped develop a custom database and backend processing system, as well as facilitated an SIS change, implemented a new rostering and student authentication system, and completed a variety of procedural improvements that have made his IT team more efficient.

Felicia Lee

District Coordinator, Technology Integration | Proviso Township HSD 209

With a diverse educational background, Felicia has served as a classroom teacher, adjunct college professor, and Tech Prep Director. In these roles, she has led projects focused on professional development in technology, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and training support staff.

She says, “I am driven to become an ILTPP ambassador by my passion for enhancing educational initiatives and standards. My hands-on approach and dedication to contributing actively through various platforms align with my enthusiasm to make a positive impact in this role.”

Jill Badalamenti

Technology Coordinator | Carlinville CUSD 1

A new resident to Illinois, Jill has been educating youngsters for 20 years mostly in Missouri. She is passionate about edtech and pushing the boundaries of traditional education.

As an Ambassador, she’s most looking forward to meeting other edtech enthusiasts and making connections outside of her school district community.

Butch Wilson

Director of Instructional Technology | Mt. Vernon Township High School

A mainstay of Illinois’ edtech community, Butch has been an edtech leader and advocate for 20+ years. As part of the former Learning Technology Centers, Butch guided and supported 200+ schools as they developed their educational technology environment.

More recently, he has provided technology support and development for the Illinois State Board of Education’s Statewide Assessments programs.

Butch believes that “education tools should be accessible and affordable for all of us.” For that reason, he’s been a “grateful promoter” of ILTPP since 2003.

Dr. Todd Dugan

Superintendent | Bunker Hill CUSD 8

During his time as superintendent, Dr. Dugan has made it his mission to reimagine and redefine rural educational leadership to reflect modern technology’s challenges and opportunities. He has been recognized by several state and national organizations, including as the 2017 Tech & Learning Leader of the Year and the 2018 Illinois State University EAF Superintendent of the Year.

As an Ambassador, Dr. Dugan wants to level the playing field in rural areas by harnessing technology’s promise to provide students with cutting-edge learning opportunities.

Dr. Cheri Bridge

Director of Technology | Zion-Benton Township HSD 126

In both her local and national work, Dr. Cheri Bridge has shown a deep passion for leveraging educational technology to foster engaging and effective learning environments. Prior to her current role, she contributed to the NSA-funded GenCyber cybersecurity curriculum and spearheaded the development of an edtech solution aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.

With over 16 years of experience in instructional design and curriculum development, she brings a wealth of expertise in driving strategic improvements within school districts to the Ambassador team. As an Ambassador, she seeks to empower educators and students alike through the integration of innovative technologies into teaching and learning practices.

Craig Reid

Director of Technology | Moline-Coal Valley CUSD 40

Craig has worked in education his entire career, starting as a support technician before moving into a leadership role. During his tenure as Director of Technology, he has led numerous initiatives to keep up with his district’s evolving technology landscape, as well as co-chaired a technology committee composed of teachers, administrators, and support staff.

When it comes to our statewide edtech community, Craig believes that more collective efforts are needed to address common issues. As an Ambassador, he wants to work closely with his counterparts in other districts and harness their expertise to uncover innovative, cost-effective solutions that all districts can benefit from.

Are Your Students With IEPs Future Ready?

Posted on | by Hope

The pursuit of educational equity remains at the heart of every educator’s mission. To ensure all students, irrespective of their backgrounds or learning needs, are provided equal opportunities for success, we need to continually question, analyze, and address potential disparities among different student groups. One critical question  educators should ask is: “Are students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as college and career-ready as those without IEPs?”

IEPs and College/Career Readiness

Students with IEPs often require specialized instruction and resources to accommodate their unique learning needs. This, however, does not negate their potential to be college and career-ready. However, it may necessitate different strategies or more focused resources to ensure they are given every opportunity to succeed in their post-secondary pursuits.

While there may be an assumption that students with IEPs might lag behind their peers in terms of college and career readiness, it’s important not to generalize. The readiness of these students, like any other group, varies significantly and depends on many factors, including the quality and effectiveness of their IEPs, their access to resources, and the level of support they receive both in school and at home.

Analyzing Data for Different Student Groups

Identifying possible disparities in college and career readiness between students with IEPs and those without begins with the careful analysis of various data sets. Examples might include standardized test scores, graduation rates, enrollment in advanced courses, or post-secondary enrollment rates. This data analysis helps educators not only identify potential gaps but also formulate strategies to address them.

However, it’s crucial that educators constantly evolve their analysis based on the diverse populations they serve. For example, educators might look at differences in college and career readiness between students of different ethnicities, genders, socioeconomic statuses, or English language learners. By continually reevaluating and refining the questions we ask of our data, we can better understand the unique challenges different student groups face and devise more effective strategies to address them.

READ MORE

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Paul Kaskovich
Account Executive
paul@otus.com
773-789-5444 x110

Learn More About Otus

Cleaning Up and Cashing In

Posted on | by Hope

It happens in every school district – after a couple of years, old computers, broken tablets, and other decommissioned devices start piling up in a closet. They’re no use to teachers or students anymore, but you can’t just throw them in a dumpster. So, what are you supposed to do with all of that e-waste?

Here in Illinois, e-waste recycling and technology buyback programs offer a secure and eco-friendly solution.

E-waste recycling is a multi-step method for disposing of electronic devices that mitigates environmental hazards and offers opportunities to recover valuable material. To kickstart this process, some electronics manufacturers and resellers offer buyback programs, which offer school districts compensation for their old equipment.

With ILTPP’s support, your district can take advantage of both solutions. Several of our trusted Vendor Partners can clear out your district’s e-waste backlog while recouping costs you can spend on your next big technology purchase.

What is the Difference Between E-Waste Recycling and Buyback Programs?

Though they work hand-in-hand, e-waste recycling and technology buyback programs are separate strategies for reducing your institution’s e-waste backlog.

Here’s how each solution works:

E-Waste Recycling

E-waste recycling describes any program that focuses on responsibly collecting and disposing of broken, outdated, or otherwise unusable electronics.

These programs start at a consumer level, offering participants a streamlined method for packing up and shipping away their unwanted devices. From there, the recycler disassembles the old equipment and safely removes hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Some valuable metals – especially gold, silver, and palladium – are also removed during recycling.

In all, e-waste recycling is an environmentally conscious strategy for ensuring your district’s old electronics don’t take up extra space in your schools or contribute to environmental pollution.

Technology Buyback Programs

Technology buyback programs offer institutions a financial incentive for returning functioning or repairable devices rather than throwing them away. They are typically offered by electronics sellers, who work with an electronics recycling company to responsibly dismantle old equipment and return a portion of their value to the original buyer.

With these programs, schools can eliminate their unused device backlog while budgeting for their replacement. Technology buyback programs also empower districts to efficiently cycle new hardware into their classrooms while remaining budget-conscious.

ILTPP’s Trusted E-Waste Recycling & Technology Buyback Partners

ILTPP is proud to work with five reputable vendors who offer a variety of e-waste recycling and technology buyback options.

Check them all out when your district is ready to add sustainability to its technology purchasing plans:

R2 and RIOS certified, offering data destruction, sanitization, remarketing, recycling, packaging, and removal services, committed to environmental compliance and risk mitigation. 

Locations in Granite City, Waukegan, and Batavia.

Bluum Technology Buyback Program

Provides a three-step trade-in program with a questionnaire, packaging supplies, and equipment testing for accurate value assessment. 

Trafera Device Lifecycle Management Program

 

Offers upfront estimates, asset tag removal, data sanitization, fair market value, zero-landfill recycling, and return box kits for large quantities. Onsite data destruction is available for an additional fee. 

SHI Asset Recovery Services

 

Specializes in Chromebooks, Apple, and Windows devices. Offers customizable buyback services, white-glove packaging and hauling, and secure packaging and return labels. They also handle device auditing and provide clear communication throughout the process. Learn more about The Simple Process.

Total Technology Buyback Process

 

Offer a complete service for secure and eco-friendly removal of your IT equipment. They handle everything from pickup and packaging to transport and disposal, providing documentation and ensuring data security. 

CDW Asset Disposition

Why Choose an ILTPP Vendor Buyback Program?

By using an ILTPP-approved vendor, your district gains:

  • Pre-vetted and reputable partners: Our team has done the legwork to ensure you work with reliable companies. Many have already worked with other Illinois school districts, so they understand your institution’s needs and priorities.
  • Simplified process: Avoid the hassle of public auctions or RFPs.
  • Competitive pricing: Get fair market value for your used equipment.
  • Additional benefits: Some vendors offer services for packaging, removal, and data destruction – all at a reduced rate.

Your Partner for Clearing Out E-Waste

Don’t let your district’s old electronics become a burden! Partner with an ILTPP Vendor Partner to recycle your e-waste responsibly and free up space for new devices. You may earn back some cash while doing your part for the environment, so it’s a win-win.

Contact an ILTPP partner today to start your next technology refresh.

Take your students’ drone skills from zero to pro with our Drone Maker Kit and Echo Drone.

Posted on | by Hope

Drones are all the buzz! They’re extremely engaging, and they provide future-relevant learning for all ages. Drones expose learners to employability skills – flight vocabulary, physics, and soft skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. And, the list of jobs utilizing such skills is always growing.

Drone Maker Kit (92130) –

Get a system for designing, building, and flying a drone! This kit is customizable and enables learners to create their own design – honing those engineering skills. This kit brings the ultimate level of engagement while also teaching basic aviation principles. It’s failproof, safe, and FUN!

Echo Drone (92786) – This out-of-the-box flyer has no engineering required – you’re up and flying in minutes. Each drone includes a controller and connects to an app, enabling advanced learners to transition from remote control to coding navigation. The app also transmits images and video to a smartphone via Wi-Fi using the drone’s onboard camera. Check the press release here on the Echo Drone.

Visit Pitsco.com/Drones or your Pitsco marketplace to shop these and more hands-on, minds-on products that will be sure to engage and educate your learners!

When shopping directly with Pitsco Education, don’t forget to use code AEPACTE at checkout for your exclusive 2% discount. Valid through May 2026.

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Erica Lopez-Negrete Smith
Illinois Sales
800-835-0686
elopez@pitsco.com

Learn More About Pitsco Education
Pitsco Education Blog

Why Is Data Security Important?

Posted on | by Hope

Most K-12 technology directors can’t stop talking about cybersecurity. But have you ever wondered why?

The truth is there are many reasons why safeguarding personal data is essential. From reputational damage to student safety, the list is practically endless.

Luckily, we’re here to explain in simple terms. Read on to learn why data security is so important to your school district and what you can do to protect sensitive information today.

WHAT IS DATA SECURITY?

Cybersecurity. Information security. Data protection.

Call it what you want, but the definition remains the same. Data security is the process of protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and exposure. More specifically, it involves implementing as many security measures as necessary to stop insider threats, cyber attacks, data breaches, and other incidents from manipulating or leaking personal information.

You might wonder: How does that differ from data privacy? It can get confusing, so let’s break it down.

Both involve protecting sensitive information, but they work a little differently:

  • Data security refers to the security policies and controls your school district uses to prevent data loss, data erasure, or data leakage. In other words, they maintain the integrity of your information.
  • Data privacy is more concerned with access control. It involves making strategic decisions about who and what should be able to see certain kinds of data. For example, a student wouldn’t need access to a fellow student’s grades, just as one staff member shouldn’t be privy to a colleague’s email.

Notably, both processes impact one another. Poor data protection, such as allowing a breach to happen, can violate a student’s data privacy if their personally identifiable information is exposed.

3 TYPES OF DATA SECURITY

When cybersecurity professionals talk about data security, they normally refer to one of three broad categories:

  1. Endpoint security: This refers to security measures that directly impact hardware, such as school laptops and computers. It may involve monitoring how students and staff use these endpoints or installing malware protection onto the device.
  2. Network security: Data flows across your school network, which means it can be intercepted if not protected. That’s why schools usually implement data encryption, which ensures files can’t be read even if they’re accessed.
  3. Cloud security: Over 90% of school districts use cloud computing, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. This category, as the name implies, aims to protect data stored in cloud applications like Google Drive, Microsoft Word, etc.

It’s important to remember that not all security measures carry over from one category to another. Some districts mistakenly expect network security tools to safeguard cloud data when that isn’t always the case. That’s why it’s best to have an additional layer of cloud security on top of your endpoint- and network-based data security solution.

 

READ MORE

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

David Waugh
Sales and Marketing Vice President
303-415-3643
dwaugh@managedmethods.com

Learn More About ManagedMethods

Tech Out Your Classroom

Posted on | by Hope

Incorporate technology into K–12 classroom design 

Technology is pervasive in today’s world — including the classroom. Schools everywhere are turning to technology to enhance their classrooms and provide students with the best possible learning experience. They use technology to make spaces more learning-friendly and focused in countless ways: to support the existing curriculum, broaden students’ access to information, meet students where they are in their development, address mental and physical health (including alleviating teacher burnout), and integrate with the portable technology students are adopting. 

Interactive Whiteboards 

One way to use technology to make classroom spaces more efficient is by using interactive whiteboards. Interactive or smart whiteboards are large touch-sensitive displays that are connected to a computer and can be used to display images, videos, text, and other multimedia content. These whiteboards allow teachers to access and display course materials quickly and easily while allowing students to engage with the material in a more interactive way. In addition, interactive whiteboards can be used to facilitate communication between students and teachers, which can help to foster a more collaborative learning environment. Boards like the i3Touch E-One have a realistic-feeling writing surface, which allows you to save work and accommodate streaming multiple screens at once. Since it replaces existing whiteboards and can be wall-mounted, it takes up no floorspace. This makes it perfect for space-conscious classrooms.  

Charging and Power Solutions

add power for charging

In a post-covid era, individual tablets or computers are common in classrooms (and often required for student use). But all those batteries need a boost now and then, so offering enough charging options is essential. Towers are a great solution for classrooms where desks or tables are arranged in groups. Why? They offer equally accessible outlets or USB ports in the center instead of the walls, and they take up minimal floor space. If device storage is more of a concern in your classroom, then consider a tower that charges as it stores group tablets or laptops.

 

READ MORE

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Please contact the Demcom inside sales department for everyday orders and general inquiries. Please reference C10903 for contract pricing or inform them you are an ILTPP member.

McKenzie Encarnacion, Inside Sales Specialist

mckenziee@demco.com

For larger projects needing installation or design, please contact the Demco Business Development Representative

Lynne Gruneberg, Business Development Representative
608-242-2374
Fax: 800.730.8094
lynneg@demco.com

Learn More About Demco

Demco Portfolio 

 

HOW AI CAN HELP STUDENTS LEARN DIGITAL SELF-REGULATION

Posted on | by Hope

This post is sponsored by Deledao.

Can AI help students learn important skills like digital self-regulation? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than just a buzzword; it’s changing the way we think about what is possible in education. This includes the support students need to make sure they can navigate digital spaces effectively – both inside and outside of the classroom.

This past year, over a thousand students participated in a study powered by AI to help them improve their self-regulation skills in a digital environment. The study was made by Deledao and showed that 82% of students improved their self-regulation skills. Today on the blog, we’ll take a look at Deledao, their AI tools, and how their technology can support students with digital self-regulation skill-building this school year.

What is Digital Self-Regulation?

Digital distractions are a major obstacle to effectively integrating technology into classroom instruction. It’s easy for students to become distracted with multiple tabs open on their browser and the Internet at their fingertips. Digital self-regulation is a skill that students can develop in the classroom and take into their everyday experiences navigating online spaces.

Digital self-regulation requires them to self-assess, make choices that are right for them in the moment, and stay focused on the task at hand. Students can employ this skill in multiple settings both inside and outside of their classroom. This skill-building doesn’t happen by accident but through the intentional choices teachers, schools, and districts make to prepare students to navigate digital spaces effectively.

READ MORE

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Deledao Education
Jasen Whetstone
Account Executive
469-525-5208
sales@deledao.com

Find The Right Chromebooks For Your School

Posted on | by Hope

Explore a variety of Chromebooks for your specific education needs—optimized for video conferencing, coding, and content creation, always connected devices with built-in cellular broadband functionality and more.

Chromebooks offer a new way for teachers to manage their classrooms and instruct their students. Your school can choose from a full range of sleek, powerful, and ready for anything models with varying power levels and capabilities that help technical leaders effectively manage a fleet of devices and keep everyone safe without sacrificing performance or sophistication.

  • Simply Versatile – Customize each device with a variety of tools, applications, extensions, and preferences that can serve student needs and fit teaching styles.
  • Fast and Reliable – Rapid boot-up and charging, long battery life, durability, repairability, and offline mode keep devices ready for daily use.
  • Productively Efficient – Stay connected to the school community while maintaining an organized virtual desktop with separate work streams and exceptional storage capacity.
  • Safe and Secure – Built-in security keeps sensitive files and personal data safe from cybercriminals without having to install additional antivirus software.
DOWNLOAD YOUR SELECTION GUIDE

Contact Your Dedicated ILTPP Resellers For More Details:

Joel Anderson
Bluum
Sales Director- Central Territory
612-455-3668
joel.anderson@bluum.com

John Buttita
CDW Education
Sales Manager
877-325-3380
johnbut@cdw.com

Maggie Matherne
Howard Technology Solutions
K-12 Inside Sales Representative
601-399-5814
mmatherne@howard.com

Matthew Butler
ITsavvy
Client Executive Public Sector
630-396-6307
mbutler@itsavvy.com

Christine McConnell
JourneyEd
Senior Account Manager
636-238-5606
cmcconnell@journeyed.com

Kyle Thomas
SHI
SM SLED Manager
732-564-8526
Kyle_Thomas@shi.com

Tim Peters
Trafera
Account Manager
651-209-1098
tim.peters@trafera.com

Kajeet Expands K-12 eduroam Access with New Integration

Posted on | by Hope

SmartBus™, Connect Suite, and Smart Transit customers now have access to eduroam integration

MCLEAN, Va., May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Kajeet®, the leading wireless connectivity and device management provider for education, government, and commercial markets, today announced the immediate availability of the eduroam (education roaming) global network access service for SmartBus, Connect Suite, and Smart Transit customers. As a federated authentication service, eduroam allows participating institutions to provide access to their wireless networks to users from other participating eduroam institutions. It is the global standard for secure authentication and authorization developed for and by the research and education community.

As one of the first leading K-12 network service providers to offer eduroam integration, Kajeet offers its customers who want to become eduroam subscribers or hotspot providers a zero-touch model to authorize educational users and provide secure authentication for their own students, faculty, and staff to Kajeet-powered networks. The integration will allow users to access the school bus WiFi network using their home institution logins on school-provided or personal devices. Authentication of each user is processed automatically through the Internet2-operated eduroam infrastructure. The same process can enable access at a community center, public park, school parking lot, or on local mass transit, such as buses, shuttles, trains, or ferries.

“Kajeet’s eduroam integration offers a significant advancement in secure WiFi access for educational users,” said Michael Flood, senior vice president, Public Sector at Kajeet. “With this integration, our customers can provide safe and easy WiFi access for their students, faculty, and staff, without having to worry about unauthorized use and with a significant reduction in security threats. We are excited to work with Internet2 to expand our educational network and better serve our customers.”

Visiting students, faculty, staff, or researchers from qualifying educational institutions can use the eduroam network with no additional setup or login processes. Institutions can join eduroam to allow their users access to eduroam globally whenever and wherever they travel. Both host and home institutions have access to secure reporting to understand the benefits of their participation for their own users and educational roaming guests.

Existing Kajeet customers may contact their Account Manager to inquire about enabling eduroam. Any entity with compatible 4G and 5G routers can connect with Kajeet to learn how its solutions support secure educational access in their community and join the Kajeet network to offer eduroam access.

For more information about eduroam, please visit:  https://get.kajeet.net/free-eduroam-enablement

About Kajeet

Kajeet provides optimized IoT connectivity, software and hardware solutions that deliver safe, reliable, and controlled internet connectivity to nearly 3,000 businesses, schools and districts, state, and local governments, and IoT solution providers. Kajeet’s private network solutions simplify private wireless to allow customers to design, install and manage their own private wireless networks, while also offering a scalable IoT management platform, Sentinel®, that includes visibility into real-time data usage, policy control management, custom content filters for added security, and multi-network flexibility. Since 2003, Kajeet has helped thousands of organizations connect over a million devices around the world. To learn more, visit kajeet.com

About eduroam

eduroam (education roaming) is the secure, world-wide roaming wireless service developed for and by the international research and education community. Internet2 is the operator of eduroam in the U.S., with more than 1,000 eduroam-subscribing organizations. eduroam allows students, researchers, and staff to roam and find connectivity at more than 3,000 locations in the U.S. and more than 33,000 worldwide. To learn more, visit incommon.org/eduroam.

Request free eduroam enablement

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Kris O’Connor
EDU Sales Executive, Kajeet
815-260-7960
koconnor@kajeet.com

Ryan Frohle
Account Manager (Install Accounts)
240-482-3499
rfrohle@kajeet.com 

Learn More About Kajeet

Illinois Esports Conference RSVP

Posted on | by Hope

Bytespeed will join the Illinois High School Esports Association (IHSEA)  in hosting the 2023 Illinois Esports Conference on Saturday, April 15th, in Franklin Park, IL, from 9 AM-5 PM.  (East Leyden HS).

The IHSEA is a not-for-profit organization started and run by Illinois educators.  The organization is committed to providing the tools and opportunities for high school students to participate in this fast-growing sport at a very affordable price.  This year’s conference will focus on helping new schools bring Esports to their communities and strengthen the existing membership programs.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about how to get your program off the ground!  Please RSVP in the link below to show your interest and get more details on the schedule of events. If you have questions, contact our Bytespeed Account Manager, Brian Hoots.

RSVP TODAY

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Brian Hoots
Account Manager
218-227-0479
bhoots@bytespeed.com

Learn More About ByteSpeed