About IDEA

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

IDEA, formally known as ICE, is a statewide 501(c)3 non-profit member organization and affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).


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. 


We are proud to be an Illinois State Board of Education approved provider for educator licensure professional development hours (PDHs). This allows us, with the help of our dedicated partners, to provide educators with a plethora of professional learning opportunities. 


Whether you are looking for certifications, needing professional development hours, or simply want to be a life-long learner, IDEA is here to help. 

Becoming a member is free. Click here to join IDEA today! 


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

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE IDEA LOGO

  • It was created collaboratively with input from our stakeholders and our volunteer Governing Board. Drafts were created, feedback was given, and then the work on our logo began.
  • The final draft was created "live" with lots of passion, love and belief in the work we do.
  • It’s an image that not only embodies who we are as an organization - always thinking and coming up with new "ideas."
  • It is what we want our members (learners) to feel every time we work with them - having that "light bulb" moment.
  • It is what we want educators to create with their students - unique learning moments that allow creativity and more "light bulb" moments.
  • It represents what we want to be for educators, a bright light -  enlightenment, inspiration, creativity, illumination. 

IDEA is the Illinois Affiliate of ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate the use of technology to solve tough problems and inspire innovation. Our worldwide network believes in the potential technology holds to transform teaching and learning. IDEA is a valued affiliate of ISTE and connects with more than 70 other affiliates to share best practices, increase service to members, and strengthen impact in local education communities. Now, IDEA has been selected by ISTE to be an authorized provider of the ISTE Certification for Educators because of their commitment to high quality edtech professional learning and the ISTE Standards as a guide for transforming teaching and learning.

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