ABOUT IDEAIllinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) is a statewide 503(c) non-profit organization dedicated to leadership in education through technology. IDEA is the largest organization in the state devoted to the use of technology in education and is an organizational affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). For the past 33 years, our nonprofit member organization has played a vital role in supporting the integration of technology in education. |
our mission To inspire, connect and provide the educational community with opportunities that transform teaching and learning through technology. | our vision Connected and empowered educators inspire today’s learners to become tomorrow’s leaders. |
Our values Professional Learning: Support and provide opportunities in teaching and learning through technology and collaborative communities Advocacy: Be a leading voice for teaching and learning through technology in Illinois Membership / Chapter Development: Strengthen and enhance chapter participation through increased member engagement Outreach: Become the recognized resource in education tech practices Finance: Increase funding sources to maintain financial stability in order to support member benefits Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and connectivity within the membership |
our historyIllinois Digital Educators Alliance, originally known as Illinois Computing Educators (ICE), was formed in 1986 by a group of approximately 30 educators as a statewide organization for computer-using educators. Since its inception, ICE has steadily grown. The organization has continually expanded its membership and has shown leadership in encouraging the development, growth and use of technology in all facets of the educational process. Today the organization boasts over 12,000+ members comprised of teachers, technology coordinators, library media specialists, administrators, higher education representatives, school support staff and other stakeholders in Illinois education reaching far beyond the role of the computer teacher. As a result, the organization took on a new name in 2019 - Illinois Digital Educators Alliance - in order to create a better understanding of our identity while furthering our mission to inspire, connect and provide the educational community with opportunities that transform teaching and learning through technology. The new name also more accurately reflects our vision that connected and empowered educators inspire today’s learners to become tomorrow’s leaders. | IDEA continues to reach out to educators and partners who share the philosophy and dedication of developing leadership in education technology through the support and development of professional learning opportunities that provide growth and use of technology in all facets of the educational process. Today Illinois Digital Educators Alliance has 21 chapters representing all counties across the state of Illinois. These chapters provide local professional development opportunities that meet the needs of educators within those regions. As an IL State Board of Education state approved provider for educator licensure professional development hours, IDEA is able to provide educators the credits they need for licensure renewal. IDEA also partners with other organizations across the state and the nation to provide additional learning opportunities to educators. Check out the many professional learning opportunities offered through IDEA. Illinois Digital Educators Alliance also hosts their annual ed tech conference - now known as IDEAcon - in February as well as TECH 20xx, a student technology showcase that is held at the State Capitol every May. Membership to IDEA is free so be sure to join today. |