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 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)
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)
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)
Padlet: Swiss Army Knife of EdTech for Adult Educators
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Kristi Reyes
Padlet has long been a favorite digital tool in education, but many adult educators use only a fraction of its capabilities. This interactive session demonstrates how Padlet, with its newer and often overlooked features, serves as the “Swiss Army knife” of EdTech: versatile, adaptable to many teaching contexts, and engaging for adult learners in both synchronous and asynchronous settings.
(AUD: TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE, OEA)
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)
From TikTok to Teaching: Microlearning for Adult Learners
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Alayna Effinger
Discover how microlearning and short-form content can boost engagement and retention for adult learners. This session explores mobile-first strategies, TikTok-style mini lessons, and AI tools to quickly create bite-size instruction for ESL, ABE/HSE, and CTE classes. Walk away with ready-to-use templates and practical workflows you can implement immediately.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: DLF, DLE, OEA)
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)
Assessment Tracker
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Daniel Cutler (w/ Angelica Diaz-Roman)
This presentation presents a unique tracker created by Monterey Adult School to monitor CASAS scores and EL Civics scores all in one place. The tracker allows you to see which students received level gains and passed their Civics assessments. It is a very comprehensive view of your students progress and performance.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: DLF, DLE, PAC)
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

Session 5   (Saturday 9:15am-10:15am)

Building Healthcare Pathways: From Concept to Classroom
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Jessie Morales
This session reveals how a Healthcare Pathways program was built from concept to classroom. Learn the steps used to create industry-aligned curriculum, integrate LMS tools like Canvas, and form strong community partnerships. Attendees will gain practical strategies, lessons learned, and a clear roadmap to build or enhance their own healthcare training programs.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ESL, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE, SSS, 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)
LMS to Deliver Individualized Instruction in a Diverse ESL Classroom
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Marina Filistovich (w/ Tim Wheeler)
In this session, we’ll dive into how a learning management system can be leveraged to meet the diverse, individualized needs of adult vocational and integrated skills ESL students. We’ll showcase how to tailor instruction for learners in fields like healthcare, hospitality, construction, and more. Attendees will see practical examples of diagnosing student needs and using the LMS to deliver personalized, multi-level learning experiences.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE)
Intro to Computers for All Levels
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Yecsenia Castro (w/ Elisia Doonan)
This presentation introduces practical, accessible approaches to teaching computer basics to learners of all levels, including neurodivergent students, individuals with disabilities, and older adults.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: DLM, OEA, SSS)
Online Engagement and Assessment Strategies for GED® and HiSET® Learners
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Greg Larson (w/ Karyn Ruiz)
This session explores effective strategies for engaging adult learners in online GED® and HiSET® preparation courses. Drawing on best practices from Greg Larson (adult education instructor at Los Angeles City College) and Karyn Ruiz (adult educator and Aztec Software Senior National Academic Specialist), participants will examine how digital curricula and assessment tools can inform instruction, support differentiation, and increase learner engagement in virtual and hybrid environments.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ABE, ASE • CAT: OEA)
Expand Your Reach through Digital Learning
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Jake Baldwin (w/ Yanira Chavez)
Learn about how Burbank Adult School is expanding their ESL program into the digital world! What started as a solution to long wait lists has become a way to serve a myriad of student populations. Burbank worked to develop and has since iterated upon a completely online ESL Level 2 class.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ESL • CAT: PAC)
One OER Canvas Course, Many Pathways: Engaging Adult ESL Learners Online
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Diana Vera-Alba (w/ Chris Vela-Che)
This session showcases an open, self-paced ESL OER Canvas course designed for adult ESL learners. Participants will explore a nine-module course model that integrates real-world topics, assessments, and discussions to support online, hybrid, and HyFlex instruction. Presenters will demonstrate how shared OER design in Canvas Commons increases learner engagement, instructional consistency, and access across adult education programs.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ABE, ESL • CAT: DLF, DLE, DLM)
From Principles to Practice: Using the Digital Learning Guidance
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Joey Lehrman (w/ Anthony Burik)
An interactive introduction to OTAN’s 2026 California Adult Education Digital Learning Guidance, highlighting practical ways programs can use it to guide professional learning, program design, and accessible digital instruction. The session also previews a 10-week facilitated cohort designed to bring the DLG into practice. Register for the upcoming cohort at https://bit.ly/DLG_Course
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLF, DLE, DLM)
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)

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 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.
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.
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.
Padlet: Swiss Army Knife of EdTech for Adult Educators
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Kristi Reyes
Padlet has long been a favorite digital tool in education, but many adult educators use only a fraction of its capabilities. This interactive session demonstrates how Padlet, with its newer and often overlooked features, serves as the “Swiss Army knife” of EdTech: versatile, adaptable to many teaching contexts, and engaging for adult learners in both synchronous and asynchronous settings.

Room 4 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.
From TikTok to Teaching: Microlearning for Adult Learners
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Alayna Effinger
Discover how microlearning and short-form content can boost engagement and retention for adult learners. This session explores mobile-first strategies, TikTok-style mini lessons, and AI tools to quickly create bite-size instruction for ESL, ABE/HSE, and CTE classes. Walk away with ready-to-use templates and practical workflows you can implement immediately.

Room 6 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.
Assessment Tracker
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Daniel Cutler (w/ Angelica Diaz-Roman)
This presentation presents a unique tracker created by Monterey Adult School to monitor CASAS scores and EL Civics scores all in one place. The tracker allows you to see which students received level gains and passed their Civics assessments. It is a very comprehensive view of your students progress and performance.

Room 9 and Online
Hybrid

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

Session 5  
(9:15am-10:15am)

Building Healthcare Pathways: From Concept to Classroom
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Jessie Morales
This session reveals how a Healthcare Pathways program was built from concept to classroom. Learn the steps used to create industry-aligned curriculum, integrate LMS tools like Canvas, and form strong community partnerships. Attendees will gain practical strategies, lessons learned, and a clear roadmap to build or enhance their own healthcare training programs.

Room 1 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
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.
LMS to Deliver Individualized Instruction in a Diverse ESL Classroom
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Marina Filistovich (w/ Tim Wheeler)
In this session, we’ll dive into how a learning management system can be leveraged to meet the diverse, individualized needs of adult vocational and integrated skills ESL students. We’ll showcase how to tailor instruction for learners in fields like healthcare, hospitality, construction, and more. Attendees will see practical examples of diagnosing student needs and using the LMS to deliver personalized, multi-level learning experiences.

Room 3 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Intro to Computers for All Levels
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Yecsenia Castro (w/ Elisia Doonan)
This presentation introduces practical, accessible approaches to teaching computer basics to learners of all levels, including neurodivergent students, individuals with disabilities, and older adults.

Room 4 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Online Engagement and Assessment Strategies for GED® and HiSET® Learners
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Greg Larson (w/ Karyn Ruiz)
This session explores effective strategies for engaging adult learners in online GED® and HiSET® preparation courses. Drawing on best practices from Greg Larson (adult education instructor at Los Angeles City College) and Karyn Ruiz (adult educator and Aztec Software Senior National Academic Specialist), participants will examine how digital curricula and assessment tools can inform instruction, support differentiation, and increase learner engagement in virtual and hybrid environments.

Room 5 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
Expand Your Reach through Digital Learning
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Jake Baldwin (w/ Yanira Chavez)
Learn about how Burbank Adult School is expanding their ESL program into the digital world! What started as a solution to long wait lists has become a way to serve a myriad of student populations. Burbank worked to develop and has since iterated upon a completely online ESL Level 2 class.

Room 6 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
One OER Canvas Course, Many Pathways: Engaging Adult ESL Learners Online
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Diana Vera-Alba (w/ Chris Vela-Che)
This session showcases an open, self-paced ESL OER Canvas course designed for adult ESL learners. Participants will explore a nine-module course model that integrates real-world topics, assessments, and discussions to support online, hybrid, and HyFlex instruction. Presenters will demonstrate how shared OER design in Canvas Commons increases learner engagement, instructional consistency, and access across adult education programs.

Room 8 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
From Principles to Practice: Using the Digital Learning Guidance
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Joey Lehrman (w/ Anthony Burik)
An interactive introduction to OTAN’s 2026 California Adult Education Digital Learning Guidance, highlighting practical ways programs can use it to guide professional learning, program design, and accessible digital instruction. The session also previews a 10-week facilitated cohort designed to bring the DLG into practice. Register for the upcoming cohort at https://bit.ly/DLG_Course

Room 9 and Online
Hybrid

Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
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
Evaluation
This presentation has been saved to your schedule.
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
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.