Innovative Learning Institute 2024
What is ILI?
Every year, the K20 Center’s Innovative Learning Institute (ILI) brings together educators from across Oklahoma to share ideas, explore new classroom technology, and connect with peers willing to go above and beyond. Our hands-on breakout sessions give educators the opportunity to try out new learning technologies paired with the vetted, tried-and-true teaching practices they love.
Our 2024 conference was full of good energy! Check out some highlights in the gallery below, and join us at Embassy Suites Norman for ILI 2025 on November 20!
Betty Paugh Ortiz, keynote speaker who oversees programs and services at the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), speaks on GEAR UP’s powers of economic mobility.
Education professionals attended ILI 2024 from all over the state, including counselors, principals, and teachers in elementary, middle, high, and combined schools.
The Innovative Learning Institute’s visual theme this year, inspired by retrofuturism, speaks to our collective imagination about how life might look with advancements of the future.
SKIE awardees gather with keynote speaker Betty Paugh Ortiz for a picture after discussing their experiences in classrooms across the state. “It’s my responsibility to bring as much of the world to the classroom as I can,” says Haworth teacher Bay Engler. The SKIE (or Supporting K20 Innovative Educators) awards celebrate educators or teams of educators across the state who use technology to teach students creatively and effectively. Tell a teacher you know or apply for this year’s award!
From left to right: Cashe Turner (Empire Elementary School, Duncan), Sherry Hofen (Oklahoma Bible Academy, Enid), Betty Paugh Ortiz, Kimberly Hutcheson (Darnaby Elementary School, Tulsa). Jennifer Blevins (Southmoore High School), and Bay Engler (Haworth Elementary School).
One of the most important functions of ILI is to help attendees build connections. Sharing experiences with others in the field yields solutions to common problems and helps to create lasting professional learning communities.
Many of today’s students will end up in career fields that don’t yet exist. One major challenge Oklahoma teachers face is preparing their students for those nonexistent jobs. This might include teaching interpersonal and collaborative skills like having respectful disagreements during conversation and working on teams with others.
SKIE winners met with program leadership for congratulations. Three SKIE winners have attended ILI in prior years.
From left to right: Dr. Gregg Garn (Executive Director of the K20 Center); Stacy Howeth (OEC Director of Member Services); SKIE winners Bay Engler, Sherry Hofen, Jennifer Blevins, Kimberly Hutcheson, and Cashe Turner; Mary Jenkins (K20 Board of Advocates Chair); Amber Himle (OEC Advocacy Coordinator); and Dr. Leslie Williams (Director of the K20 Center).
While technology can be used to great effect in classrooms, it can still present unique barriers and challenges. ILI gives teachers interested in technology-supported learning—and those who want to learn but lack support at their own schools—a place to learn. The SAMR model is one example of a student-centered framework for technology.
ILI 2024’s vendor hall featured a number of partners, including Class Matters, committed to increasing students’ access to postsecondary education. Class Matters is a nonprofit organization whose goal is helping students develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and math-related studies, degrees, and careers.
Have a question? The K20 Center’s employees are ready to help! It’s truly a team effort—all K20 employees play a role in preparing for and hosting ILI.
In 2024, ILI drew a sizable audience of 682 educators.
ILI 2024’s vendor hall featured the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. The OAEC supports education and community development in addition to delivering reliable, sustainable energy.
A major GEAR UP player, Betty Paugh Ortiz develops new programs that allow GEAR UP communities to better serve their students and families.
