2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference

Today’s students are growing up in a world where technology shapes nearly every aspect of their lives—yet many curricula only scratch the surface of how computers, coding, and artificial intelligence truly work. This session introduces an innovative, free curriculum designed to help learners explore the fundamentals of hardware, software, and AI through engaging, hands-on activities. Participants will experience how interactive modules move beyond surface-level tech skills, helping learners explore how circuits connect, how software communicates with hardware, and how AI systems “think.” Along the way, the curriculum aligns to Illinois Computer Science Standards and supports equitable access so all students—regardless of background—can see themselves as future creators and innovators. By the end of the session, educators will walk away with practical resources they can immediately integrate into their classrooms, empowering students not only to use technology but to understand and shape it.