Welcome to TECH 2009

Join us at TECH 2009--April 30, 2009

What is TECH 2009?
TECH 2009 is a not-for-profit initiative supported by a broad range of education and business organizations. Its purpose is two-fold: 1) to raise awareness of the critical role technology plays in preparing students to succeed in today’s world; and 2) to show the need for increased funding for classroom technology. The TECH 2009 Committee thanks the General Assembly and our corporate partners for their generous support of this program.

Technology is a Powerful Tool in the Classroom
Technology can be a powerful tool in the classroom to enhance and accelerate student achievement; however, some people don't fully realize the extent to which technology can impact students and teachers. As people better understand what the information age makes possible in the classroom, they realize that if students are to be prepared for the 21st Century, they must have access to the latest technologies.

TECH 2009 Event -- Demonstrations for Legislators in State Capitol
Since 1990, students and teachers have set up demonstration tables at the Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois to show elected officials, business leaders, and the general public how technology is being used in schools.

The TECH 2009 program strives to present classroom technology projects from across the state of Illinois. All schools and districts in Illinois are invited to apply to participate. Selected schools will send teams of up to four participants to TECH 2009 which will include two or three students accompanied by one teacher or administrator. School selections will be made on the basis of the location of the school within the state, grade level, type of demonstration proposed and diversity in student learning styles. Selected schools will be provided a 6’ table in the Capitol building on which to display project information, and will be scheduled to demonstrate either in the morning or the afternoon on the date of the event (approx. 9am-Noon or approx. Noon-3pm). Funding for travel and other expenses incurred by participants will be the responsibility of each participating school.

Date of TECH 2009
TECH 2009 will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2009.

Application Process
All schools throughout the state of Illinois are invited to participate in TECH 2009. Schools will apply online, and will be notified of the status of their application in January 2009. The deadline to submit a TECH 2009 application is Monday, January 12, 2009. School teams will be selected to represent a balanced distribution between legislative districts, grade levels and curricular areas. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate improved teaching and learning through the use of technology. Please click here to access the online application page.

Click here to view the TECH 2009 information brochure.

To view a past program booklet, click here.