Schedule

The schedule for TDLS is presented on this page. Use the filter buttons below to sort sessions by day, audience, strands, etc. For sessions you wish to attend, click the “Star” () to add the session to “My TDLS” which allows you at any time to review your customized schedule. Once a presentation begins, click the “Join now!” button. After the session, return to the session and choose the “Evaluation” link to provide our presenters with feedback on their presentations.

Schedule Icons


The password for all online sessions is tdls26.
Showing 38 presentations matching these filters: FMT: In-person only X Clear all

Friday Sessions

Breakfast   (Friday 7:30am-8:30am)

Registration and Breakfast
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Please stop by the OTAN registration table first to sign in and get your badge and conference bag! Enjoy something to eat before you start your conference day.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Welcome & Keynote   (Friday 8:45am-10:15am)

Session 1   (Friday 10:30am-12:00pm)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Level Up Learning: Building Digital & ESL Skills, LBC Style
Demonstration (90 minute)
Nicole Lopez (w/ Lisa Busch)
This highly engaging & energizing presentation highlights Northstar Digital Literacy and Ellii, two platforms that support success in today’s digital & workforce-driven environment. The session traces the evolution of our DLAC journey, from digital literacy workshops for ESL learners to Northstar for essential digital skills & Ellii for high-quality ESL curriculum & resources. These tools strengthen instruction, engagement, & alignment while building confidence for purposeful implementation.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLM, PAC)
The Power of Play and Connection in Adult Learning
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Roni Habib
Adults learn best when they feel safe, respected, connected, and engaged—and play is a powerful, often underutilized tool for making that happen. In this session, explore how play, connection, and joy can be intentionally and appropriately integrated into adult learning environments to increase engagement, trust, collaboration, and retention. Learn the research-backed reasons why playful, relational learning experiences improve adult motivation and willingness to take intellectual risks
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: EEA, OEA, SSS)
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Lunch   (Friday 12:00pm-1:00pm)

Lunch
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Join us for lunch! Enjoy a meal before heading into our afternoon sessions.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Garden Tour
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Come and enjoy a guided walking tour of the Monterey Adult School outdoor garden space led by school staff. We will meet in Room 2 at 12:30pm for a 30-minute tour of this lovely and inspiring space. If you don't have a chance to join the tour, please take a few minutes during the conference to visit this outdoor space accessible from Room 2. A QR code in the garden provides information and ideas about outdoor wellness activities and how to utilize an outdoor space.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Session 2   (Friday 1:00pm-2:00pm)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Challenges in Adult Education: Recruitment, Remote Testing and Retention
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Maria Elena Gomez-Lecaro (w/ Twyla Eva)
Jefferson Adult Online is in its third year. Our primary challenges are the "Three Rs": Recruitment, Remote Testing, and Retention. This presentation will examine the obstacles we have encountered in addressing these critical areas.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLF, DLM, OEA)
FuturePlay with Open Innovation Centers in the Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Clare Bhakta (w/ Jateen Bhakta)
Explore New Collar Skills—high-tech skills that don’t require four-year degrees. In this interactive session, participants rotate through hands-on stations featuring 3D printing, AI, and Virtual Reality. Guided by Open Innovation Centers staff, you’ll experiment and play, then leave with two practical, low-tech ways to bring innovation and confidence into your classroom right away.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLF, DLE, DLM)
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Session 3   (Friday 2:15pm-3:45pm)

Differentiate? Do It with Diffit! AI-Powered Activities for ESL and CTE
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Denise Douglas
Adult Ed instructors face the challenge of teaching learners with widely varied language levels, academic backgrounds, and career goals—often in the same classroom. Diffit is an AI-powered tool that helps ESL & CTE teachers quickly create differentiated learning materials. Educators can generate or adapt content from workplace topics, standards, articles, videos, or vocabulary lists, then adjust reading levels and translate—saving time while supporting language development & career readiness.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE)
Wellness Space
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Designing for Equity: A Course for Accessible Digital Learning in Adult Ed
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Penny Pearson (w/ Debbie Jensen)
Discover practical ways to make adult education digital content accessible and equitable. Based on the Accessibility Training for AE Teachers course, this session provides an overview of the course contents, including UDL, WCAG 2.2, and Section 508. The course allows a self-paced approach to learning with instruction on how to apply alt text, headings, color contrast, captions, and other tools. Leave with accessibility resources so every learner can access and succeed, online and in class.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLE)
Canvas Made Easy with Bite-Size Training
Demonstration (90 minute)
Arezoo Miller (w/ Henry Mulak)
Discover how a uniform Canvas shell can simplify teaching and boost student success. Our team will share how we identified needs, set goals, and turned challenges into collaboration. In this workshop, you’ll get ideas on building templates, creating step-by-step guides, and developing resources that you can use right away to streamline courses, support digital literacy, and empower adult learners in any subject.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: DLF, DLE, DLM)
FuturePlay with Open Innovation Centers in the Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Clare Bhakta (w/ Jateen Bhakta)
Explore New Collar Skills—high-tech skills that don’t require four-year degrees. In this interactive session, participants rotate through hands-on stations featuring 3D printing, AI, and Virtual Reality. Guided by Open Innovation Centers staff, you’ll experiment and play, then leave with two practical, low-tech ways to bring innovation and confidence into your classroom right away.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLF, DLE, DLM)
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Session 4   (Friday 4:00pm-5:00pm)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Waitlist to Ready: Onboarding Class for Seamless Student Transition
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Alisa Takeuchi
A practical model for designing a bridge class where waitlisted ESL students build English, technology, and classroom-readiness skills to transition smoothly into their full-time ESL course.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLF, PAC)
Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
The Tech Playground is an interactive space where you can explore, experiment, and experience the latest in emerging technology! Get hands-on with technology and see firsthand how these tools are shaping the future of education. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about what’s next, this is your chance to test, play, and discover in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring your curiosity and get ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge technology!
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLE, PAC)
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Saturday Sessions

Breakfast   (Saturday 8:00am-9:00am)

Registration and Breakfast
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Please stop by the OTAN registration table first to sign in and get your badge and conference bag! Enjoy something to eat before you start your conference day.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Session 5   (Saturday 9:15am-10:15am)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Crafting Narratives: Gemini Storybook for Adult Education
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Susan Gaer
Unlock a powerful new tool for adult learning. This session demonstrates how the Gemini Storybook feature transforms complex topics, historical events, technical concepts, or professional scenarios into engaging, visually rich, and fully narrated 10-page storybooks. Learn to generate personalized, level-appropriate, and shareable content for literacy, language, and vocational training, making abstract ideas concrete and memorable.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: DLF, DLE, OEA)
Exploring AR, VR, and 3D Learning Tools Across Programs in Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Farzana Cassim
This session invites educators to explore emerging technologies through a guided tech playground featuring AR, VR headsets, ClassVR, and zSpace 3D tools. Designed for ESL, Academic, and CTE programs, participants will examine how these tools support language development, academic learning, and hands-on career training. The focus is on practical classroom applications and informed use rather than novelty.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLF, DLE)
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Session 6   (Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Building Community: Working Together in Education with SharePoint
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Chris Vela Che
In today’s hybrid, remote, and in-person learning environments, strong professional communities and transparent collaboration are essential. This beginner-friendly session introduces educators and administrators to Microsoft SharePoint as a tool for creating inclusive, collaborative, and well-organized educational spaces. Participants will learn core functions such as creating team sites, sharing documents, posting updates, and personalizing pages.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLF)
Speed Dating with AI Tools
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Elaine Pham (w/ Jolene Shields)
This is a hands-on workshop designed to introduce instructors to a variety of AI tools that can support lesson planning, content creation, and curriculum development. Attendees will rotate through quick demos of different tools and leave with practical ideas they can apply right away. Recommendation: please create a new Gmail account ahead of time to explore and test the AI tools during the workshop.
(AUD: TEA, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE, OEA)
Tech Playground
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
The Tech Playground is an interactive space where you can explore, experiment, and experience the latest in emerging technology! Get hands-on with technology and see firsthand how these tools are shaping the future of education. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about what’s next, this is your chance to test, play, and discover in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring your curiosity and get ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge technology!
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLE, PAC)
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Lunch   (Saturday 12:00pm-1:00pm)

Lunch
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Join us for lunch! Enjoy a meal before heading into our afternoon sessions.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Garden Tour
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Come and enjoy a guided walking tour of the Monterey Adult School outdoor garden space led by school staff. We will meet in Room 2 at 12:30pm for a 30-minute tour of this lovely and inspiring space. If you don't have a chance to join the tour, please take a few minutes during the conference to visit this outdoor space accessible from Room 2. A QR code in the garden provides information and ideas about outdoor wellness activities and how to utilize an outdoor space.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Session 7   (Saturday 1:00pm-2:00pm)

Continuous Improvement Plan Reporting: Final-Year Essentials
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Penny Pearson (w/ Jaemi Naish)
Learn how to complete and submit your agency’s WIOA Title?II Continuous Improvement Plan. This session offers a clear walkthrough of TDLS submission requirements, real-world examples of SMART/IE goal reporting, and practical strategies to ensure compliance and clarity—no matter what the future brings. Don’t miss this chance to finish strong in 2026!
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: PAC)
Wellness Space
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
Incorporating Digital Literacy in an Adult Citizenship Curriculum
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Jennifer Gagliardi
This presentation shows adult citizenship educators how to integrate digital literacy into civics instruction by setting clear objectives, aligning curriculum, and using AI to support speaking practice and comprehension. Using national and California data showing that 33% of U.S. adults lack basic digital skills, participants gain practical strategies and trusted resources to strengthen civic engagement and naturalization readiness.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLE, PAC)
Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
The Tech Playground is an interactive space where you can explore, experiment, and experience the latest in emerging technology! Get hands-on with technology and see firsthand how these tools are shaping the future of education. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about what’s next, this is your chance to test, play, and discover in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring your curiosity and get ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge technology!
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLE, PAC)
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)

Tech Slam   (Saturday 2:15pm-3:15pm)

Schedule

The schedule for TDLS is presented on this page. Use the filter buttons below to sort sessions by day, audience, strands, etc. For sessions you wish to attend, click the “Star” () to add the session to “My TDLS” which allows you at any time to review your customized schedule. Once a presentation begins, click the “Join now!” button. After the session, return to the session and choose the “Evaluation” link to provide our presenters with feedback on their presentations.

Show More

Schedule Icons


Showing 38 presentations matching these filters: FMT: In-person only X Clear all

Friday Sessions

Breakfast  
(7:30am-8:30am)

Registration and Breakfast
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Please stop by the OTAN registration table first to sign in and get your badge and conference bag! Enjoy something to eat before you start your conference day.
M.U.R.
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.

Welcome & Keynote  
(8:45am-10:15am)

Session 1  
(10:30am-12:00pm)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
Room 2
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Level Up Learning: Building Digital & ESL Skills, LBC Style
Demonstration (90 minute)
Nicole Lopez (w/ Lisa Busch)
This highly engaging & energizing presentation highlights Northstar Digital Literacy and Ellii, two platforms that support success in today’s digital & workforce-driven environment. The session traces the evolution of our DLAC journey, from digital literacy workshops for ESL learners to Northstar for essential digital skills & Ellii for high-quality ESL curriculum & resources. These tools strengthen instruction, engagement, & alignment while building confidence for purposeful implementation.
Room 17
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
The Power of Play and Connection in Adult Learning
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Roni Habib
Adults learn best when they feel safe, respected, connected, and engaged—and play is a powerful, often underutilized tool for making that happen. In this session, explore how play, connection, and joy can be intentionally and appropriately integrated into adult learning environments to increase engagement, trust, collaboration, and retention. Learn the research-backed reasons why playful, relational learning experiences improve adult motivation and willingness to take intellectual risks
Room 18
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
Room 24b
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.

Lunch  
(12:00pm-1:00pm)

Lunch
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Join us for lunch! Enjoy a meal before heading into our afternoon sessions.
M.U.R.
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Garden Tour
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Come and enjoy a guided walking tour of the Monterey Adult School outdoor garden space led by school staff. We will meet in Room 2 at 12:30pm for a 30-minute tour of this lovely and inspiring space. If you don't have a chance to join the tour, please take a few minutes during the conference to visit this outdoor space accessible from Room 2. A QR code in the garden provides information and ideas about outdoor wellness activities and how to utilize an outdoor space.
Room 2
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.

Session 2  
(1:00pm-2:00pm)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
Room 2
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Challenges in Adult Education: Recruitment, Remote Testing and Retention
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Maria Elena Gomez-Lecaro (w/ Twyla Eva)
Jefferson Adult Online is in its third year. Our primary challenges are the "Three Rs": Recruitment, Remote Testing, and Retention. This presentation will examine the obstacles we have encountered in addressing these critical areas.
Room 17
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
FuturePlay with Open Innovation Centers in the Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Clare Bhakta (w/ Jateen Bhakta)
Explore New Collar Skills—high-tech skills that don’t require four-year degrees. In this interactive session, participants rotate through hands-on stations featuring 3D printing, AI, and Virtual Reality. Guided by Open Innovation Centers staff, you’ll experiment and play, then leave with two practical, low-tech ways to bring innovation and confidence into your classroom right away.
Room 18
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
Room 24b
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.

Session 3  
(2:15pm-3:45pm)

Differentiate? Do It with Diffit! AI-Powered Activities for ESL and CTE
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Denise Douglas
Adult Ed instructors face the challenge of teaching learners with widely varied language levels, academic backgrounds, and career goals—often in the same classroom. Diffit is an AI-powered tool that helps ESL & CTE teachers quickly create differentiated learning materials. Educators can generate or adapt content from workplace topics, standards, articles, videos, or vocabulary lists, then adjust reading levels and translate—saving time while supporting language development & career readiness.
Room 1
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Wellness Space
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
Room 2
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Designing for Equity: A Course for Accessible Digital Learning in Adult Ed
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Penny Pearson (w/ Debbie Jensen)
Discover practical ways to make adult education digital content accessible and equitable. Based on the Accessibility Training for AE Teachers course, this session provides an overview of the course contents, including UDL, WCAG 2.2, and Section 508. The course allows a self-paced approach to learning with instruction on how to apply alt text, headings, color contrast, captions, and other tools. Leave with accessibility resources so every learner can access and succeed, online and in class.
Room 3
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Canvas Made Easy with Bite-Size Training
Demonstration (90 minute)
Arezoo Miller (w/ Henry Mulak)
Discover how a uniform Canvas shell can simplify teaching and boost student success. Our team will share how we identified needs, set goals, and turned challenges into collaboration. In this workshop, you’ll get ideas on building templates, creating step-by-step guides, and developing resources that you can use right away to streamline courses, support digital literacy, and empower adult learners in any subject.
Room 17
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
FuturePlay with Open Innovation Centers in the Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Clare Bhakta (w/ Jateen Bhakta)
Explore New Collar Skills—high-tech skills that don’t require four-year degrees. In this interactive session, participants rotate through hands-on stations featuring 3D printing, AI, and Virtual Reality. Guided by Open Innovation Centers staff, you’ll experiment and play, then leave with two practical, low-tech ways to bring innovation and confidence into your classroom right away.
Room 18
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
Room 24b
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.

Session 4  
(4:00pm-5:00pm)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
Room 2
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Waitlist to Ready: Onboarding Class for Seamless Student Transition
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Alisa Takeuchi
A practical model for designing a bridge class where waitlisted ESL students build English, technology, and classroom-readiness skills to transition smoothly into their full-time ESL course.
Room 17
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
The Tech Playground is an interactive space where you can explore, experiment, and experience the latest in emerging technology! Get hands-on with technology and see firsthand how these tools are shaping the future of education. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about what’s next, this is your chance to test, play, and discover in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring your curiosity and get ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge technology!
Room 18
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
Room 24b
In-person only
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.

Saturday Sessions

Breakfast  
(8:00am-9:00am)

Registration and Breakfast
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Please stop by the OTAN registration table first to sign in and get your badge and conference bag! Enjoy something to eat before you start your conference day.
M.U.R.
In-person only
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Session 5  
(9:15am-10:15am)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
Room 2
In-person only
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Crafting Narratives: Gemini Storybook for Adult Education
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Susan Gaer
Unlock a powerful new tool for adult learning. This session demonstrates how the Gemini Storybook feature transforms complex topics, historical events, technical concepts, or professional scenarios into engaging, visually rich, and fully narrated 10-page storybooks. Learn to generate personalized, level-appropriate, and shareable content for literacy, language, and vocational training, making abstract ideas concrete and memorable.
Room 17
In-person only
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Exploring AR, VR, and 3D Learning Tools Across Programs in Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Farzana Cassim
This session invites educators to explore emerging technologies through a guided tech playground featuring AR, VR headsets, ClassVR, and zSpace 3D tools. Designed for ESL, Academic, and CTE programs, participants will examine how these tools support language development, academic learning, and hands-on career training. The focus is on practical classroom applications and informed use rather than novelty.
Room 18
In-person only
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Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
Room 24b
In-person only
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Session 6  
(10:30am-12:00pm)

Wellness Space
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
Room 2
In-person only
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Building Community: Working Together in Education with SharePoint
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Chris Vela Che
In today’s hybrid, remote, and in-person learning environments, strong professional communities and transparent collaboration are essential. This beginner-friendly session introduces educators and administrators to Microsoft SharePoint as a tool for creating inclusive, collaborative, and well-organized educational spaces. Participants will learn core functions such as creating team sites, sharing documents, posting updates, and personalizing pages.
Room 8
In-person only
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Speed Dating with AI Tools
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Elaine Pham (w/ Jolene Shields)
This is a hands-on workshop designed to introduce instructors to a variety of AI tools that can support lesson planning, content creation, and curriculum development. Attendees will rotate through quick demos of different tools and leave with practical ideas they can apply right away. Recommendation: please create a new Gmail account ahead of time to explore and test the AI tools during the workshop.
Room 17
In-person only
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Tech Playground
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
The Tech Playground is an interactive space where you can explore, experiment, and experience the latest in emerging technology! Get hands-on with technology and see firsthand how these tools are shaping the future of education. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about what’s next, this is your chance to test, play, and discover in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring your curiosity and get ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge technology!
Room 18
In-person only
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Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (90 minute)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
Room 24b
In-person only
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Lunch  
(12:00pm-1:00pm)

Lunch
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Join us for lunch! Enjoy a meal before heading into our afternoon sessions.
M.U.R.
In-person only
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Garden Tour
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Come and enjoy a guided walking tour of the Monterey Adult School outdoor garden space led by school staff. We will meet in Room 2 at 12:30pm for a 30-minute tour of this lovely and inspiring space. If you don't have a chance to join the tour, please take a few minutes during the conference to visit this outdoor space accessible from Room 2. A QR code in the garden provides information and ideas about outdoor wellness activities and how to utilize an outdoor space.
Room 2
In-person only
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Session 7  
(1:00pm-2:00pm)

Continuous Improvement Plan Reporting: Final-Year Essentials
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Penny Pearson (w/ Jaemi Naish)
Learn how to complete and submit your agency’s WIOA Title?II Continuous Improvement Plan. This session offers a clear walkthrough of TDLS submission requirements, real-world examples of SMART/IE goal reporting, and practical strategies to ensure compliance and clarity—no matter what the future brings. Don’t miss this chance to finish strong in 2026!
Room 1
In-person only
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Wellness Space
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
As educators, you give so much of yourselves to your students, your classrooms, and your communities each and every day. Your energy, patience, and compassion matter deeply—and so does your well-being. We invite you to pause, exhale, and give yourself a moment to reset and recharge. Visit our dedicated Wellness Room anytime during the conference.
Room 2
In-person only
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Incorporating Digital Literacy in an Adult Citizenship Curriculum
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Jennifer Gagliardi
This presentation shows adult citizenship educators how to integrate digital literacy into civics instruction by setting clear objectives, aligning curriculum, and using AI to support speaking practice and comprehension. Using national and California data showing that 33% of U.S. adults lack basic digital skills, participants gain practical strategies and trusted resources to strengthen civic engagement and naturalization readiness.
Room 17
In-person only
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Tech Playground
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
The Tech Playground is an interactive space where you can explore, experiment, and experience the latest in emerging technology! Get hands-on with technology and see firsthand how these tools are shaping the future of education. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about what’s next, this is your chance to test, play, and discover in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring your curiosity and get ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge technology!
Room 18
In-person only
Evaluation
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Workspace and Charging Station
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
OTAN Staff
Stop by Room 24b if you need a place to charge your devices or a quiet space to do some work.
Room 24b
In-person only
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Tech Slam  
(2:15pm-3:15pm)