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


Friday Sessions

Session 1   (Friday 10:30am-12:00pm)

Leveraging Tech Partnerships to Advance Digital Equity in Adult Education
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Dr. Adrienne Ann Mullen (w/ Karyn Ruiz)
This session highlights how strategic partnerships with educational technology providers, including Aztec Software, support equity-focused outcomes by reducing opportunity gaps and strengthening learner engagement. Participants will explore how aligned digital tools and instructional practices can expand access and improve learning experiences across adult education pathways.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, CTE, WFP • CAT: EEA)
Teach Students to Use Technology; Make Their Lives Easier
Demonstration (90 minute)
Johanna Gleason (w/ Amanda Simons)
Many newcomers to the United States encounter technology for the first time when they arrive here, and therefore, are at a huge disadvantage in terms of navigating life in their new environment. Many of these students are reluctant to learn how to use technology. This presentation gives ideas for inspiring low-literacy English language learners to learn to use technology so that they can fully participate in society here.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, AWD, ESL, WFP • CAT: EEA, DLF, SSS)
Write with AI oh mAI!
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Francisco Pinedo Jr.
Participants will learn how to use AI as a tool for the writing process for students. Examples of how AI is used to aid the writing process will be shown. Participants are encouraged to have an AI account (Chat GPT, Gemini, Claude,etc) to use during the Follow-along workshop. Participants are also encouraged to bring student writing samples to facilitate the follow-along activities.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLF, DLE)
NotebookLM in Action: Curate, Create, and Podcast with AI YOU Control
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Dana Thompson
Adult educators are overwhelmed by AI tools that pull from the whole web, making accuracy and relevance uncertain. NotebookLM offers a solution by grounding AI responses in your own materials—lesson plans, curriculum, program documents, or standards. With features like auto-generated summaries and podcasts, it provides a practical, trustworthy way to support instruction and planning while preserving context and educator voice.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLF, DLE)
Making Adult Ed Data More Meaningful and Actionable
Demonstration (90 minute)
Crystal James
Have you ever wished you could do more with Excel, but you didn’t know where to start? (merging, conditional columns, formulas) With the right prompts, you can use ChatGPT as a teacher to learn just what you need to learn for your specific goals. In this presentation, we will go over the capabilities and basics of Powerquery (a tool built into Excel) and talk about how Twin Rivers Adult School has used it along with AI to help make some essential reports more actionable and visible.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLM, OEA, PAC)
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)

Session 4   (Friday 4:00pm-5:00pm)

From Pilot to Practice: Porterville Adult School’s Northstar Journey
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Jeff Bochat (w/ Valerie Craig)
Today we will be exploring the use of Northstar Digital Literacy with adult learners. Adult learners above the age of 30 need this program, and what is offered to progress through our other systems that are in place at Porterville Adult School.
(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: AWD, ABE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ASE, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLF, DLE)
Sustaining Digital Transformation Through DLAC
Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)
Nada (Neda) Anasseri
Join DLAC leads and participants to explore how a two-year digital leadership pathway can transform your adult education program. Panelists will share successes, challenges, and strategies for aligning technology integration with continuous improvement, equity, and leadership culture. Attendees will gain actionable insights and drive to apply for the next cohort (2026-2028).
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLE, PAC)
Breaking Barriers: Advancing Digital Equity in Correctional Education
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Jerry Yamashita (w/ Gina Wandell)
Learn how secure digital platforms advance digital equity in correctional education by expanding access to standards-aligned learning for programs serving diverse adult learners—from English language acquisition and basic skills to career training and high school completion or equivalency. Gain insights into implementing secure digital ecosystems that combine LMS, courseware, and custom content to improve engagement, continuity, and data visibility—even in restrictive environments.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL, CTE • CAT: EEA, DLE, CRR)
21st Century 1-Room Schoolhouse: Onboarding in a Mixed-level Classroom.
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Robert Gomez
By the end of this workshop, participants will gain an understanding of how this HSE teacher matriculates and integrates adult learners with the aid of technological resources.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ABE, ASE • CAT: DLE, DLM, OEA)
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)

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


Friday Sessions

Session 1  
(10:30am-12:00pm)

Leveraging Tech Partnerships to Advance Digital Equity in Adult Education
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Dr. Adrienne Ann Mullen (w/ Karyn Ruiz)
This session highlights how strategic partnerships with educational technology providers, including Aztec Software, support equity-focused outcomes by reducing opportunity gaps and strengthening learner engagement. Participants will explore how aligned digital tools and instructional practices can expand access and improve learning experiences across adult education pathways.

Room 3 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Teach Students to Use Technology; Make Their Lives Easier
Demonstration (90 minute)
Johanna Gleason (w/ Amanda Simons)
Many newcomers to the United States encounter technology for the first time when they arrive here, and therefore, are at a huge disadvantage in terms of navigating life in their new environment. Many of these students are reluctant to learn how to use technology. This presentation gives ideas for inspiring low-literacy English language learners to learn to use technology so that they can fully participate in society here.

Room 4 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Write with AI oh mAI!
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Francisco Pinedo Jr.
Participants will learn how to use AI as a tool for the writing process for students. Examples of how AI is used to aid the writing process will be shown. Participants are encouraged to have an AI account (Chat GPT, Gemini, Claude,etc) to use during the Follow-along workshop. Participants are also encouraged to bring student writing samples to facilitate the follow-along activities.

Room 5 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
NotebookLM in Action: Curate, Create, and Podcast with AI YOU Control
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Dana Thompson
Adult educators are overwhelmed by AI tools that pull from the whole web, making accuracy and relevance uncertain. NotebookLM offers a solution by grounding AI responses in your own materials—lesson plans, curriculum, program documents, or standards. With features like auto-generated summaries and podcasts, it provides a practical, trustworthy way to support instruction and planning while preserving context and educator voice.

Room 6 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Making Adult Ed Data More Meaningful and Actionable
Demonstration (90 minute)
Crystal James
Have you ever wished you could do more with Excel, but you didn’t know where to start? (merging, conditional columns, formulas) With the right prompts, you can use ChatGPT as a teacher to learn just what you need to learn for your specific goals. In this presentation, we will go over the capabilities and basics of Powerquery (a tool built into Excel) and talk about how Twin Rivers Adult School has used it along with AI to help make some essential reports more actionable and visible.

Room 8 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

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.

Session 4  
(4:00pm-5:00pm)

From Pilot to Practice: Porterville Adult School’s Northstar Journey
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Jeff Bochat (w/ Valerie Craig)
Today we will be exploring the use of Northstar Digital Literacy with adult learners. Adult learners above the age of 30 need this program, and what is offered to progress through our other systems that are in place at Porterville Adult School.

Room 1 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Sustaining Digital Transformation Through DLAC
Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)
Nada (Neda) Anasseri
Join DLAC leads and participants to explore how a two-year digital leadership pathway can transform your adult education program. Panelists will share successes, challenges, and strategies for aligning technology integration with continuous improvement, equity, and leadership culture. Attendees will gain actionable insights and drive to apply for the next cohort (2026-2028).

Room 3 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Breaking Barriers: Advancing Digital Equity in Correctional Education
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Jerry Yamashita (w/ Gina Wandell)
Learn how secure digital platforms advance digital equity in correctional education by expanding access to standards-aligned learning for programs serving diverse adult learners—from English language acquisition and basic skills to career training and high school completion or equivalency. Gain insights into implementing secure digital ecosystems that combine LMS, courseware, and custom content to improve engagement, continuity, and data visibility—even in restrictive environments.

Room 5 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
21st Century 1-Room Schoolhouse: Onboarding in a Mixed-level Classroom.
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Robert Gomez
By the end of this workshop, participants will gain an understanding of how this HSE teacher matriculates and integrates adult learners with the aid of technological resources.

Room 8 and Online
Hybrid

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.