COMMUNITY EVENTS

Below you will find a list of events submitted by our IDEA partners and members of the educational community.


Does your organization have an upcoming event you'd like to share? Click the button below to submit an event for our community calendar!

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TeachersFirst | Unlocking Literacy: Language Tools for the Science of Reading

5/7/2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Discover practical strategies for enriching students' oral language skills, which are essential for both academic and social success. Learn innovative techniques for strategically integrating technology that will enhance oral language development in your classroom. Educators in Texas, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Illinois are pre-approved to receive relicensure credit for this session


IDEA is proud to partner with TeachersFirst to award Illinois educators 2 PDHs for attending this event.

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Edpuzzle | Edpuzzle LIVE: Rapid-Fire Tips and Tricks to Take Edpuzzle to the Next Level

5/9/2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM


See how the Edpuzzle Ambassadors use Edpuzzle in their roles to bring our video learning platform to teachers worldwide. This rapid-fire extravaganza of expert, easy-to-follow tips and tricks will ignite your teacher heart. Make sure to register for this free event and get there right on time so you don't miss a thing!

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TeachersFirst | 3 Cool Tools to Build Communication Skills

5/14/2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM


In the digital age, effective communication is essential for student success. Join this workshop to discover three innovative tech tools that enrich communication skills across diverse contexts and formats and explore how these tools cultivate collaboration, critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness among students. Educators in Texas, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Illinois are pre-approved to receive relicensure credit for this session.


IDEA is proud to partner with TeachersFirst to award Illinois educators 1.5 PDHs for attending this event.

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Discovery Partners Institute | CS Endorsement Info Session

5/16/2024 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM


Attend an online info session to meet faculty, students, and staff to preview courses and learn about opportunities to earn your ISBE CS Endorsement

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TeachersFirst | Tech Made EZ with FigJam

5/21/2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM


Unlock the potential of FigJam in your classroom and enhance teaching and learning across subjects and grade levels! Join our interactive workshop and discover innovative ways to engage students, foster collaboration, and elevate instruction with this free online whiteboard. Educators in Texas, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Illinois are pre-approved to receive relicensure credit for this session.


IDEA is proud to partner with TeachersFirst to award Illinois educators 1.5 PDHs for attending this event.

Learn More!

Discovery Partners Institute | CS Educator Workshop Series

5/25/2024 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM


Join DPI this May to learn about from other educators as they share their implementation of CS into the classrooms. This event is FREE, hosted at Google office, and offers PDHs.

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CodeHS | What's New at CodeHS

6/4/2024 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM


In the first half of this workshop led by CodeHS Teacher Trainer, Brande Johnson, teachers learn about Karel the Dog (using JavaScript) which is a great entry point for any beginning programmer. Teachers will set up their CodeHS teacher accounts, see an overview of the course catalog, learn the basics of the CodeHS IDE, experience a lesson from the student perspective, and debrief about instructional strategies. In the second half, teachers will learn about some of the tools on the CodeHS platform including code review, the CodeHS gradebook, access controls, and how to add/create custom content

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CodeHS | Deeper Dive into Teaching with CodeHS

6/5/2024 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM


In this workshop, led by a CodeHS Teacher Traininer, teachers will take a deep dive into the Intro to JavaScript course, exploring lessons and instructional strategies, and using collaboration and the CodeHS Sandbox. In the second half of this workshop, teachers will also have interactive opportunities to discover additional CodeHS teacher resources, discuss blended learning strategies, or try out the curriculum. While it is recommended that participants have some experience using CodeHS prior to the workshop, those just getting started will also discover strategies to make the most of CodeHS!

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CodeHS | AI and Future Skills: Preparing Students for the Future Job Market

6/6/2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM


Join us to learn how to equip your students with the skills needed for a future dominated by AI and automation. Explore innovative strategies to enhance creativity and problem-solving in computer science education, essential for tomorrow’s job market.

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Discovery Partners Institute | DPI Summer Intensives

6/10/2024 - 8/2/2024

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM


Want to learn more about different CS topics, learn best practices for teaching CS, and build a network of CS educators from across Illinois? Join DPI this summer as part of our many summer intensive programs.

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CodeHS | Getting Started Teaching JavaScript

6/10/2024 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM


In this workshop CodeHS Teacher Trainer Carmen Lagalante will introduce participants to the Intro to CS with JavaScript (Corgi) course. Teachers will have the opportunity to explore the course and experience a sample lesson, learn about instructional strategies, and discover a few CodeHS teacher tools.

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CodeHS | Deeper Dive into Teaching JavaScript

6/12/2024 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM


In this workshop, a CodeHS Teacher Trainer will take teachers on a deep dive into the Intro to JavaScript course, exploring lessons and instructional strategies, and using collaboration and the CodeHS Sandbox. In the second half of this workshop, teachers will also have interactive opportunities to discover additional CodeHS teacher resources, discuss blended learning strategies, or try out the curriculum. While it is recommended that participants have some experience using CodeHS prior to the workshop, those just getting started will also discover strategies to make the most of CodeHS!

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SMART | Lumio Palooza

7/16/2024 - 7/17/2024


Kick-start your learning and earn PD hours this July at Lumio Palooza. This two day event is jam packed with fun, interactive virtual sessions led by educators just like you. Learn directly from your peers and find new ideas to add to your toolbox and inspire your students. Whether you are new to Lumio or a seasoned user, we have a session for you!

Learn More!

About IDEA


Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) has played a vital role in supporting the integration of technology in education since 1986.


Formed by a group of about 30 educators, ICE (Illinois Computing Educators) was created with Illinois computer-using teachers in mind. But since our humble beginnings, we have grown to have more than 12,000 members, who are made up of teachers, technology coordinators, library media specialists, administrators, higher education representatives, school support staff, and other Illinois stakeholders. Because of this growth and increased reach, we changed our name from ICE to IDEA in 2019 to better reflect who we are as an organization. 

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