Focus Area

Artificial Intelligence

Strategies, resources, and professional learning to help educators navigate, implement, and lead the responsible use of AI in schools.

AI Readiness & Implementation

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming education, and the LTC is here to help your district prepare for this shift. Through a growing suite of professional learning opportunities, strategic guidance, and curated resources, we equip educators and leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate AI’s challenges and possibilities with confidence.

We also convene AI-focused conferences and communities of practice to foster collaboration and share best practices for responsible, ethical, and effective AI integration. Whether your district is just starting the conversation or looking to scale AI initiatives, the LTC provides personalized support to help you build capacity and readiness for an AI-powered future.

K-12 AI Toolkit

The AI Toolkit provides a starting point for exploring the responsible use of AI in K-12 education, offering curated resources on policy, training, and classroom integration.

Resources for Policy Makers

As AI reshapes education, K-12 districts need clear, actionable policies to ensure its responsible use. The LTC provides curated resources to help leaders align AI practices with district values and goals. This collection supports every phase of policy development—from assessing the current landscape to drafting and implementing effective policies. With the right tools and guidance, districts can move from high-level vision to practical action.

General AI Guidelines

Education-Focused AI Guidelines

Illinois-Specific Guidelines

Research

Resources for District Leaders

District leaders need clear frameworks and examples to guide thoughtful implementation. The following resources include vetted guidance documents, instructional frameworks, and real-world exemplars to support strategic planning, staff development, and curriculum alignment.

AI Frameworks

District and School Policies, Procedures, and Handbooks

Exemplar Districts

Resources for Teachers

This section provides district leaders with curated resources to help translate broad values into actionable, evidence-based AI policies. Effective implementation depends on the informed, empowered participation of educators and staff. Even the strongest policies will fall short without support for those carrying them out in daily practice. To that end, this section also includes tools to build AI literacy, classroom strategies, and practical templates for responsible implementation.

Background

AI Frameworks

Prompt Writing Guides

Student Lessons

Professional Learning

Books

As AI reshapes education, K-12 districts need clear, actionable policies to ensure its responsible use. The LTC provides curated resources to help leaders align AI practices with district values and goals. This collection supports every phase of policy development—from assessing the current landscape to drafting and implementing effective policies. With the right tools and guidance, districts can move from high-level vision to practical action.

General AI Guidelines

Education-Focused AI Guidelines

Illinois-Specific Guidelines

Research

District leaders need clear frameworks and examples to guide thoughtful implementation. The following resources include vetted guidance documents, instructional frameworks, and real-world exemplars to support strategic planning, staff development, and curriculum alignment.

AI Frameworks

District and School Policies, Procedures, and Handbooks

Exemplar Districts

This section provides district leaders with curated resources to help translate broad values into actionable, evidence-based AI policies. Effective implementation depends on the informed, empowered participation of educators and staff. Even the strongest policies will fall short without support for those carrying them out in daily practice. To that end, this section also includes tools to build AI literacy, classroom strategies, and practical templates for responsible implementation.

Background

AI Frameworks

Prompt Writing Guides

Student Lessons

Professional Learning

Books

AI App Directory

Explore AI tools designed for K-12 education, organized to help educators, leaders, and staff find safe, effective solutions that support teaching, learning, and school operations.

Curriculum & Lesson PlansFor Education (intended)

AI or Not? Lesson by News Literacy Project

For grades 7+, News Literacy Project has created a lesson to help students learn the essential skill of “Is it AI or not?” Including plans, support, resources and more – help students learn more about

LLM (Large Language Model)Not Education Specific

Perplexity

Perplexity AI functions as an answer engine, delivering sourced responses to intricate queries. Educators can leverage it to swiftly research subjects and validate details. An added benefit is the platform’s readily available citations, which streamline

For Education (intended)LLM (Large Language Model)

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered productivity tool integrated into Microsoft 365 apps. It assists with tasks like writing, summarizing, and data analysis. It aims to boost efficiency across various applications.

LLM (Large Language Model)Not Education Specific

Merlyn Mind

Merlyn Mind provides an AI platform for education, featuring a voice assistant (Merlyn) that simplifies classroom technology use for teachers, boosting productivity and student interaction. Merlyn Mind is a private, safe generative AI solution for

LLM (Large Language Model)Not Education Specific

Llama

LLaMA is Meta’s open-access large language model for AI research. It offers smaller, more manageable models to democratize research. It helps address AI challenges like bias and toxicity.

Curriculum & Lesson PlansFor Education (intended)

IBM SkillsBuild

IBM SkillsBuild offers courses on artificial intelligence, providing students with foundational knowledge and practical skills. It covers topics like machine learning and AI applications, potentially aiding educators in introducing AI concepts to their students. The

For Education (intended)Resource

Generative AI for Educators

Online, asynchronous training developed by Google to support educators about how to use generative AI tools to save time on everyday tasks, personalize instruction, enhance lesson and activities in creative ways, and more.

LLM (Large Language Model)Not Education Specific

Gemini

Gemini is an LLM chatbot, from Google, that can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. It is a generative AI assistant.

LLM (Large Language Model)Not Education Specific

Claude

Claude is an LLM designed for helpful and harmless AI assistance, capable of engaging in natural conversations and performing various text-based tasks. It focuses on safety and helpfulness in AI interactions.

For Education (intended)Organization

AI4K12

AI4K12 provides national guidelines and resources for teaching AI concepts in K-12 education. It aims to ensure that all students have access to foundational AI knowledge. Stay current with AI Information, reports, research, guidelines and

Services, Resources and Professional Learning

Discover LTC’s services, events, articles, and resources, designed to help Illinois schools harness technology to support teaching, learning, and leadership.

Services
Service
Database

Artificial Intelligence Resource Database

Vetted computer science resources geared toward a variety of grade levels, content areas, and use cases.

Service
Professional Learning

Custom PD for Districts and Schools

Customizable

Customized edtech professional learning to meet the needs of districts and schools.

Service
Consulting

Education Consulting

Free

Consulting on all tech-related teaching and learning topics.

Service
Professional Learning

IETC Conference

November
$175+

The Illinois Education and Technology Conference, held annually in Springfield, brings together educators and tech experts to explore innovative teaching methods and leverage technology for enhanced learning statewide.

Service
Service

ILTPP Purchasing Cooperative

Free

Save money and time through ILTPP cooperative purchasing contracts.

Service
Network

LTC Online Community

Free

A free online community for educators, admin, and technology leaders.

Professional Learning

Online Courses

Free & Paid

Online courses focusing on educational technology trends and best practices in a format that fits educators’ busy schedules.

Service
Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

Service
Professional Learning

Webinars

Free

Register for our regular webinar series and view recordings.

Events

A Case for AI Literacy

Sep 9, 2025
$15

Artificial Intelligence, with all its benefits and drawbacks, is integrating more and more into life as we know it, and our classrooms are no exception. Whether we like it or not, AI is here, and

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Procedures for Staff and Students

Sep 9, 2025
$15

This workshop provides school/district leaders with practical tips and resources to create tailored AI guidelines that align with district goals, as well as built-in work time to begin collaborating and crafting district-specific plans.

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

TeachGPT: Making AI your TA

Oct 7, 2025
$15

Beat the dreaded “teacher burnout” by exploring how you can use AI as your personal teaching assistant! This workshop will demonstrate how educators can leverage chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, as well as education-specific AI-powered

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

AI-Savvy Students: Equipping Today’s Learners for Tomorrow’s Reality

Nov 6, 2025
$15

You understand the benefits of AI in education and the importance of preparing our students for the increasingly AI-influenced world, but now what? In this session, we will explore the “Why, What, and How?” of

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Articles
Artificial Intelligence (AI)

11 Questions to Ask Before using AI in the Classroom

Before jumping on the AI bandwagon, educators need to ask these questions to ensure this emerging technology helps—not hinders—student learning.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Purchasing

4 Ways to Harness AI-Powered Learning with ILTPP Vendor Partners

Keeping up with the latest AI-powered solutions can feel overwhelming. Here are four trusted ILTPP Vendor Partners you can turn to when your district wants to harness AI to unleash creativity, enhance assessments, and more.

Amanda Bruns
Amanda Bruns
Member Engagement Manager, Learning Technology Center
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Digital Leadership

9 Powerful Ways Districts Can Engage Parents in AI Education

Parents want to know how AI will impact their child’s learning. These strategies can help districts build trust and clear up misunderstandings as AI enters the classroom.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center
One-to-One Podcast

AI & Digital Citizenship with Mike Ribble

This month, we’re welcoming Dr. Mike Ribble to discuss the role of digital citizenship and digital literacy as we all come to grips with artificial intelligence, both in society and in the classroom.

One-to-One Podcast

AI for Everyone with Dr. Monica Burns

AI has arrived in the classroom! Let’s talk about how educator can harness it for productive learning with Dr. Monica Burns + AI-enhanced apps and tools you can reach for today with Eric Santos.

Digital WellnessSocial Emotional Learning (SEL)

AI How and Why: Addressing AI-Generated Images in Schools

With a clear risk for misuse and bullying, the growing presence of AI images in schools is more than a technology issue. It’s a human issue, and educators need to respond.

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Human-Centered Technology Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Contracts
Contracts are facilitated by ILTPP, the LTC’s cooperative that leverages the collective buying power of Illinois K-12 schools to provide affordable, high-quality technology and digital learning resources through trusted vendor partnerships.

CDW-G

Furniture, Networking & Security, Online Curriculum & Resources, Printers, Copiers & Scanners, Technology Buyback, Technology Catalog

AEPA 022-G |

End Date: 02-28-2026