Schedule

The schedule for TDLS is presented on this page. Use the filter buttons below to sort sessions by day, audience, strands, etc.

Schedule Icons

In-Person
Online

Friday Sessions

Registration/Breakfast (Friday 7:30am-8:30am)

Breakfast

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

Enjoy something to eat before you start your conference day!

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Auditorium
In-person only

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

Welcome and Keynote

Demonstration (90 minute)

OTAN Staff

Welcome to TDLS 2025! After some opening remarks, welcome Keynote Speaker Leticia Citizen and her topic, When Digital Equity is Digital Justice. This keynote emphasizes the shift from digital equity to digital justice by empowering students as storytellers. It highlights intentional teaching practices that center student voices through digital media, art, and reflective activities. Reflect on your roles, nurture authentic student agency, and take actionable steps toward justice-driven teaching.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Auditorium and Online
Hybrid

Session 1 (Friday 10:30am-12:00pm)

Assess, Develop and Certify Your Students' Soft Skills and Work Readiness

Demonstration (90 minute)

Paul Kratzer

In this interactive session, participants will consider questions such as, What are soft skills? How can we measure soft skills? How can we determine a business's soft skills needs? How can we match business needs with our students' skills and develop the latter when needed? Participants will see a demo of the CASAS eWORKs soft skills assessment and development program and learn how it can be made accessible to persons with disabilities, incarcerated persons and more.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA)

Room ABE and Online
Hybrid

Doing Things Differently with Diffit!

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Denise Douglas

Diffit is an AI-powered tool designed to address the challenge of differentiating reading materials for diverse learners. Youcan quickly generate tailored content at various reading levels, helping build vocabulary & comprehension for all students. Diffit enables the creation of customized lessons while saving valuable time. With multilingual translation capabilities, it supports English language learners & diverse classrooms, ensuring equitable access to learning & fosters student success.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ESL • CAT: DLE, EEA, OEA)

Room HSD
In-person only

Reimagining Student Intake: Digitizing Processes to Improve Access

Demonstration (90 minute)

Joey Lehrman

Explore opportunities to evolve intake processes using digital tools and automation. Consider how digitization and automation can improve efficiency, enable flexible enrollment, and support more accessible and engaging orientation. Brainstorm how time saved through automation can be redirected to personalized student support, contributing to better retention. This session showcases opportunities for adult education providers to create more accessible, impactful, and engaging intake experiences.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLF, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room HiSET and Online
Presenter on Zoom

AI as a Tool in the Adult Education Classroom

Demonstration (90 minute)

Francisco Xavier Pinedo

In this session, participants will be encouraged to bring their own device to explore the world of AI in the Adult Ed classroom. This hands on workshop is designed to showcase how AI is a tool in education for both students, teachers and staff.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL • CAT: DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA)

Room 10 and Online
Hybrid

Tech Playground

Demonstration (90 minute)

OTAN Staff

Step into the Tech Playground where you can explore, experiment, and experience the latest in emerging technology! Get hands-on with VR goggles, AR tools, and AI-powered websites, and see firsthand how these innovations 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: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 11
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (90 minute)

OTAN Staff

Visit our dedicated Wellness Space for an opportunity to reset, breathe, and recharge during your conference experience. We'll provide mindfulness and relaxation tools, art supplies, coloring pages, gratitude exercises, and more to encourage self-reflection, and a welcoming environment to support overall well-being. Unwind, explore creativity, and return to your day feeling refreshed, inspired, and recharged.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Drones for CTE and STEM

Demonstration (90 minute)

Tonie Smith

This session will offer educators and administrators insight into relevant curriculum content to meet the needs of CTE students interested in using drone technology for their careers. Challenges and lessons learned from the 3 courses offered at Sweetwater Adult Schools will offer insight for successful implementation for your district. Learn how to steer students towards in-demand careers and help them develop aptitudes needed in technical fields.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA, OEA, PAC)

Room 15A and Online
Hybrid

Crafting a Hybrid Program with Online and Onsite Flexibility

Panel or Facilitated Discussion (90 minute)

Peter Mancillas (w/ Elena Gomez-Lecaro, Twyla Eva)

Creating, managing, developing Online adult education programs 100% remotely in conjunction with building strong onsite support through networking and community partnerships.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, PAC)

Room 15B and Online
Hybrid

Basic Computer Skills for the Beginning ESL Student

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Sara Nickles (w/ Betzabel Macchia, Lisa Busch, Nicole Lopez)

For ESL students who have both low English language skills and computer skills, using computers as a learning tool can feel overwhelming. One approach that has worked for us has been developing basic computer language and usage workshops for these students. In this session we will discuss the purpose of these workshops, instructional approaches used, results from these workshops, and possible modifications for future workshops.

(AUD: TEA • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLF, EEA)

Room 16A
In-person only

Empathy/Sympathy in Socio-Emotional Learning: Enhancing Connections with AI

Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)

Arezoo Miller (w/ Henry Mulak, Aruna Subramanian)

Discover how socio-emotional learning can transform adult education in this engaging session led by ESL teachers and a Transition Specialist from Silicon Valley Adult Education. Learn to distinguish empathy from sympathy with insights and hands-on scenarios. Explore how AI tools can help students recognize empathy and provide educators with resources to support diverse learners. Walk away with practical strategies to build meaningful connections.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA, SSS)

Room 16B
In-person only

Lunch (Friday 12:00pm-1:00pm)

Lunch

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

Join us for lunch. Enjoy a meal before heading into more sessions.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Auditorium
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Session 2 (Friday 1:00pm-2:00pm)

Exploring AI Bias & Stereotyping

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Mandilee Gonzales (w/ Karin de Varennes)

This session explores the biases and stereotypes embedded in AI tools. Participants will explore types of bias based on AI-driven platforms. Together, we will discuss strategies for recognizing and building awareness about how this implicitly affects our adult learners.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: EEA)

Auditorium
In-person only

Resource Navigators for AJCC Connection Sites

Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)

Adele McClain

The ongoing collaboration with partner agencies under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Title II grant is critical for effectively tracking referrals and supporting shared clients.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room ABE and Online
Hybrid

Using Digital Literacy to Support Student Inclusion and Success

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Marci England (w/ Josie Ladle, Rebekkah Gomez)

This presentation will explore the changing role of digital literacy in adult education, emphasizing the importance of providing all adults with access and knowledge to use technology effectively, safely, and responsibly. Participants will gain practical strategies used at Corona-Norco Adult Education, with the support of the BurlingtonEnglish platform, to enhance digital literacy among adult learners, aiming to bridge the digital divide, and foster greater inclusion and empowerment.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ESL • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA, OEA, SSS)

Room HSD
In-person only

Master Digital Organization in One Day: Learn Google KEEP and Be a Pro

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Kenya Bratton

Tired of endlessly scrolling for that important screenshot or idea? Want a simple way to save and easily retrieve memories, vacation plans, or even passwords? This session will introduce you to Google Keep—an app that keeps everything organized in one place. Learn how to use it to save ideas, photos, notes, passwords, and reminders for both you and your students. Discover how to integrate it into your routine to boost memory retention and keep everything at your fingertips for easy access.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLF, EEA, OEA)

Room HiSET and Online
Presenter on Zoom

Teaching Hyflex

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Yesica Tello

This presentation will introduce the HyFlex learning model, which allows students to attend class in-person, remotely, or both. We’ll cover key teaching strategies for balancing synchronous and asynchronous elements, fostering engagement, and adapting traditional methods. Additionally, we’ll highlight online tools and resources that help transition a face-to-face class to a HyFlex format. Participants will leave with practical insights for implementing HyFlex in their own teaching.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ESL • CAT: DLM, OEA)

Room 10 and Online
Hybrid

Tech Playground

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 11
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Introducing an Open-Access ESL, History, Civics, Digital Skills Curriculum

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Aydin Durgunoglu (w/ Erin Cary, Leah Hauge)

We will demonstrate our curriculum (CILIA-T) that teaches academic English, U.S. history, civics and digital literacy in an integrated fashion across 16 modules that can be used in virtual, in-person or hybrid classrooms. We will also discuss the approach and the framework underlying the curriculum and share video tutorials and educator resources designed to help develop foundational digital skills.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ASE, ESL • CAT: DLF, EEA, OEA)

Room 15A and Online
Presenter on Zoom

Classroom Connections: Unleashing Microsoft365 for Smarter Learning

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

David Camberos (w/ Maria Camacho, Lynette Browning, Rosa Cauble)

This presentation explores how Microsoft365 applications enhance teaching and learning in our classrooms. By leveraging tools like Teams, OneNote, and OneDrive, educators can streamline lesson planning, facilitate real-time collaboration, and simplify communication, creating a more connected and efficient learning environment. The session will showcase practical examples of these tools in action, highlight their impact on student engagement and productivity.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 15B and Online
Hybrid

Student Voice and Problem-Solving Utilizing Sustainable Development Goals

Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)

Leticia Citizen

Participants will engage in the Solve in Time! design thinking framework to address real-world challenges through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This process builds critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while amplifying student voice. Adult learners gain confidence by tackling issues relevant to their lives, developing practical solutions, and enhancing language, digital literacy, and workforce readiness skills.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC)

Room 16A
In-person only

Teaching Writing and Integrating AI into the Process

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Debbie Jensen

Writing is an open invitation for students to use AI to write their essays for them. What is a writing instructor to do? In this session, you will explore ways to avoid cheating, teach critical thinking, develop literacy skills, and involve students in the assessment process. Finally, maybe most importantly, you will learn ways to prepare students to use AI productively.

(AUD: TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, OEA)

Room 16B and Online
Hybrid

Session 3 (Friday 2:15pm-3:45pm)

2025-26 Continuous Improvement Plan, CIP: A Beginner's Guide to Success

Demonstration (90 minute)

Jaemi Naish (w/ Penny Pearson)

New to CIP and SMART goals? This workshop is your starting point! Join OTAN SME’s Penny Pearson and Jaemi Naish to learn the basics of the Continuous Improvement Plan and crafting effective SMART/IE goals. We'll break down the process step-by-step, provide practical tips and real-world examples to help you create strong CIP goals for your WIOA-funded school. By the end of this workshop, you'll have a solid foundation to develop your CIP by the April 30, 2025 deadline.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: EEA, PAC)

Auditorium
In-person only

PETW (Putting English to Work) Series New in Canvas

Demonstration (90 minute)

Francisca Wentworth

Putting English to Work (PETW) is a series that has evolved over time. It was originally created several years ago as a Distance Learning Course by adult education teachers at LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District) and is now available in Canvas through OTAN. This course demonstrates a commitment to staying current with digital learning trends while providing meaningful and practical content.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLM)

Room ABE and Online
Hybrid

Explore AR, VR, and zSpace: A Tech Playground for Educators

Demonstration (90 minute)

Farzana Cassim

Step into a hands-on tech playground featuring AR materials, VR headsets, and zSpace’s interactive 3D tools. Designed for educators across ESL, Academic, and CTE programs, this session showcases how emerging technologies can enhance learning. Explore tools that foster language acquisition, build academic skills, and provide hands-on career training. Attendees will have the chance to interact with practical and engaging resources that inspire creativity and support diverse student needs.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA, PAC)

Room HSD
In-person only

The Human Side of Digital Equity: Experiences, Challenges, and Strategies

Demonstration (90 minute)

Veronica Parker, Ed.D. (w/ Mandilee Gonzales)

While conversations about digital equity often center on infrastructure, access, and technology, the human experiences at the heart of the digital divide deserve equal attention. Through a combination of real-world case studies, data insights, and lived experiences, we will examine how digital exclusion impacts education, employment, and so much more. This session explores the experiences, systemic challenges, and adult education-driven technological strategies toward digital equity.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLF, EEA, PAC, SSS)

Room HiSET and Online
Hybrid

AI for Ease and Efficiency for Educators, Administrators, and Staff

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Barry Bakin (w/ Christopher Schaper)

This “You Do It Too” presentation will explore the use of Artificial Intelligence tools and applications by educators in all roles. Attendees will gain insights on leveraging AI to more quickly make engaging learning experiences for students, make many writing tasks less onerous, prepare for job interviews, analyze data, and other typical educator duties. Participants will be guided through the activities in this hands-on learning experience.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF)

Room 10 and Online
Hybrid

Tech Playground

Demonstration (90 minute)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 11
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (90 minute)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Building Digital Bridges: Empower Adult Learners with Essential Tech Skills

Demonstration (90 minute)

Johanna Gleason (w/ Amanda Simons, Ryane Willis, Jessica Maguire)

The digital divide leaves many adult learners excluded from essential aspects of modern life. Digital literacy is vital for full participation in today’s society, yet these skills can be overwhelming to learn. This session introduces practical tools and effective strategies for teaching foundational digital skills to adults new to technology. Learn how to empower learners to navigate the digital world. Presenters' expertise is teaching ESL: these tips apply to and beyond such populations.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA)

Room 15A and Online
Hybrid

Access America - USA Learns' Updated and 100% Free "Integration ESL" Course

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

ALISA TAKEUCHI

Discover the newly updated USA Learns' Access America course, designed to help immigrants thrive in the U.S.! This free, interactive course covers civic, workplace, and community topics while building English and digital literacy. Explore hundreds of multimedia elements, new speaking activities, vocabulary games, and teacher resources. Plus, learn how to create custom courses on the USA Learns platform. Join us for an engaging tour of this powerful tool for immigrant success!

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLF, DLM, OEA)

Room 15B and Online
Hybrid

Digital Well-Being: Tech Balance for a Better Life

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Leticia Citizen

Enhance students' digital well-being with hands-on, evidence-based strategies to foster agency, mindfulness, and healthier tech habits. In this interactive session, participants will explore four engaging activities that address app design tricks, irrational thinking traps, and digital habits while fostering social-emotional well-being. Collaborate with peers and gain practical tools to support students' mental and social well-being in a tech-driven world.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLM, OEA, PAC)

Room 16A
In-person only

Empowering Educators: Integrating Technology into Your Lesson Plans

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Susan Coulter (w/ Yecsenia Castro, Josh Eick, Debbie Jensen, Maricel Manglicmot, Elisia Doonan)

Get ready to transform your classroom with cutting-edge technology tools and innovative teaching strategies! This dynamic session will immerse you in the Teaching with Technology online database—a treasure trove of expertly designed lesson plans that seamlessly integrate technology into your instruction.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLE)

Room 16B and Online
Hybrid

Session 4 (Friday 4:00pm-5:00pm)

Passing the Baton: A Relay Race for Reentry Success

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Shannon Woods (w/ Jermaine Sullivan, Rachel Kralyevich, Karen McKinney)

Incarcerated persons returning to their communities face many obstacles. While incarcerated, many take advantage of adult education programs. This session will cover how adult schools in CDCR are set up, what technology is used, what academic/ technical skills re-entry students will come with and what extra supports they may need to be successful in programs outside of CDCR. In addition, we will demonstrate the ARCAID program and how it can be used to link re-entry to adult education programs.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, WFP • CAT: CRR)

Room ABE and Online
Hybrid

Will Talk Meet Action? OER and OEP with IDEA + Belonging in Learning

Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)

Elaine Correa

This presentation will invite participants to interact with OER and OEP with a focus on how teachers in adult ed programs will benefit with improving how instructors can seek, curate, expand, and promote OER/OEP adoption of free, culturally relevant, digitally inclusive affordable instructional materials and pedagogies.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE)

Room HSD
In-person only

Trauma-Informed Online Teaching Strategies: Girls and Women in Afghanistan

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Elke Damesyn (w/ Olga Evans)

Discover the SAFE Framework for trauma-informed online teaching tailored to girls and women in Afghanistan. Learn strategies to create a safe, accessible, flexible, and empowering learning environment. Participants will explore culturally sensitive techniques and hands-on activities to overcome barriers and foster hope, equipping women to achieve meaningful roles in society.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL • CAT: DLE, EEA, SSS)

Room HiSET and Online
Hybrid

AI in Everyday Life - Are You Ready?!

Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)

Audrey Dierdorff

Have you been noticing that AI is creeping into everyday life? It is something we will not be able to get away from. It is here and it is here to stay. But don't be afraid! Come and learn the BASICS of AI with a general introduction and overview of how AI is being used in our daily lives. Some parts will require a device to take part in a "Human vs AI" quiz and a "Say What You See" activity by Google Arts and Culture. Be ready to have fun, to learn, and to overcome your fear!

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA)

Room 10 and Online
Hybrid

Tech Playground

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 11
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Cast Your Nets, Wanderers! The Pursuit of Blended and Distance Learning

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Robert Gomez

This session will discuss the challenges, successes, and advice based on efforts to launch distance and HyFlex courses at Salinas Adult School.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: DLM)

Room 15A and Online
Hybrid

EL Civics on Canvas

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

ALISA TAKEUCHI

The EL Civics shared courses are on Canvas! These courses are geared for High Intermediate through Advanced ESL students to be used in class as whole group instruction, blended for both in class and at home instruction, or as a distance learning component. They are available for California adult educators in the Canvas Commons. Come join this session to learn which COAAPs are available and how to get your own copy of the course.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLF, DLM, OEA)

Room 15B and Online
Hybrid

Don’t Stress It, Canva Has Your Back!

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Claudia Escobar

Create an Eye-Catching Flyer! Need a fact sheet for that board meeting? Looking to translate content into Spanish, Thai, or Chinese for your students? Don't worry—Canva has got you covered! With a variety of templates to kickstart your project or blank canvases to unleash your creativity, this session will show you all the nifty tools in Canva to make your work easier and fun!

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE)

Room 16A and Online
Hybrid

Northstar Digital Literacy: Implementations with Porterville Adult School

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Jeff Bochat (w/ Valerie Craig, Pedro Uribe)

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: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, DLM, OEA)

Room 16B and Online
Hybrid

Saturday Sessions

Registration/Breakfast (Saturday 8:00am-9:00am)

Breakfast

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

Enjoy something to eat before you start your conference day!

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Auditorium
In-person only

Session 5 (Saturday 9:15am-10:15am)

From Classroom to Catalyst: Leveraging Your Inner Tech Leader

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

R. Lynne Ruvalcaba

Discover your power as a technology leader and advocate in your school community. Drawing from proven frameworks for educational change, this session equips classroom teachers with practical strategies to effectively champion technology initiatives. Learn to make convincing proposals to administration that will forge partnerships to drive meaningful digital transformation for staff and students. Leave with an action plan and the confidence to catalyze positive change in your educational setting.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: PAC)

Room ABE and Online
Hybrid

Using AI in the Development of ESL Lessons and Materials

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Jacob Baldwin (w/ Yanira Chavez, Todd Laventure)

This presentation will demonstrate how different AI tools can be used to create and adapt lesson materials for ESL classes. Participants will learn how to use AI to create worksheets, multilingual grammar handouts, reading texts, and activities. Participants will also learn the basics of how AI works, as well as some best practices for avoiding the most common pitfalls of using AI.

(AUD: TEA • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLF)

Room HSD
In-person only

Critical Thinking and Fact-Checking in the Age of AI: Building AI Literacy

Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)

Olga Evans

This facilitated discussion explores AI literacy for educators, focusing on critical thinking, fact-checking as well as resource verification and validation. Join us to collaboratively identify strategies for navigating AI in education, ensuring responsible use, and fostering a culture of informed digital citizenship. Share insights, challenges, and practices in this open forum designed for dialogue and discovery.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA, PAC)

Room HiSET and Online
Hybrid

Low Tech For Beginners

Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)

Maricel Manglicmot

Are your students apprehensive about using technology in school? Do they still prefer paper over a digital document? Try using Google Docs to make the best of both worlds.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLF, EEA)

Room 10 and Online
Hybrid

Tech Playground

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 11
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Enhancing Learning with an ESL OER Canvas Course

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Diana Vera-Alba (w/ Chris Vela Che)

This presentation aims to introduce English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers to a free Learning Management System (LMS) that can streamline their teaching processes, enhance student engagement, and improve the overall educational experience for adult learners. The LMS will be presented as a tool that not only addresses the common challenges faced by ESL teachers but also helps them cater to the unique needs of adult learners who may have varied levels of proficiency and learning preferences.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA)

Room 15A and Online
Hybrid

Digital Literacy in a Citizenship Curriculum

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Jennifer Gagliardi (w/ Shawn Chakrabarti)

This presentation explores the integration of digital literacy into citizenship education to better prepare adult learners for the naturalization process and life in a technology-driven society. By embedding essential digital skills into a citizenship curriculum, educators can address challenges such as online application processes, digital civic engagement, and virtual interview preparation. Participants will leave with practical strategies, resources, and tools to enhance their teaching.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLF, EEA, OEA)

Room 15B and Online
Hybrid

Building Connections and Engagement: Using Padlet

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Yecsenia Castro

Discover how Padlet, an intuitive and versatile digital collaboration tool, can transform student engagement and foster a sense of community in the classroom. This session will explore practical strategies for integrating Padlet into your curriculum, with real-world examples from a Health Careers program. Attendees will learn how to create collaborative activities, facilitate peer-to-peer learning, and build dynamic digital spaces that make learning interactive and fun. This session is ideal for

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, OEA)

Room 16A
In-person only

NEDP: Online Pathway to a High School Credential

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Margaret A Kirkpatrick

The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) is an applied performance assessment system pathway for adults and out-of-school youth to earn a high school diploma . The NEDP evaluates the reading, writing, and workforce readiness skills of participants in life and work contexts which can be offered as an entirely distance program

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ASE • CAT: CRR, DLM, EEA, PAC)

Room 16B
In-person only

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

California Adult Ed Technology and Digital Learning – A Look at the Data

Panel or Facilitated Discussion (90 minute)

Matthias Sturm (w/ Anthony Burik)

The Technology and Distance Learning for California Adult Education report provides an overview of digital learning in WIOA-funded adult schools and noncredit community college programs. We present preliminary findings from the 2023-2024 report and invite participants to discuss online blended learning as well as the impact of technology adoption in the delivery of program offerings as we look at the data.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC)

Room ABE and Online
Hybrid

Making Math Approachable: Routines that Build Confidence and Fluency

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Christina Hyatt

Learn how to make math feel approachable and achievable for everyone through easy-to-use instructional routines. During this hands-on workshop, participants will experience and adapt routines for their classroom with the intent of engaging learners, fostering critical thinking, and building confidence to conquer math. Leave with strategies you can use on Monday.

(AUD: TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA)

Room HSD
In-person only

EdTech and AI Tool Workshop with Adult Education in Mind

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Dr. Matthew Rhoads

Participants of this workshop will learn to effectively explore and integrate various EdTech and AI tools into their instruction by applying Universal Design for Learning, Cognitive Load Theory, and TPACK frameworks designed for adult education teachers and school leaders. This session aims to equip participants with the skills to create engaging and accessible learning experiences for diverse adult learners within ESL, CTE, and ASE/HSD adult education programs and contexts.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: DLE, DLF, EEA, OEA)

Room HiSET and Online
Presenter on Zoom

Prompt Essentials for Educators

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Susan Gaer

Ready to get more out of AI? This workshop will teach you how to design prompts that work in 5 easy steps. Learn how AI can help you save time when tackling complex tasks, analyzing data, and summarizing information.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, OEA)

Room 10 and Online
Hybrid

Tech Playground

Demonstration (90 minute)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 11
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (90 minute)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Using Google’s Applied Digital Skills in Adult Education

Demonstration (90 minute)

Sarah Diwan

In this session, you will learn how to use Google’s Applied Digital Skills in your Adult Education class. Google’s Applied Digital Skills course can help adult education students develop the digital literacy skills they need in order to succeed in the workforce and life. We will explore Google’s Applied Digital Skills course, as well as examine a case study in how Google’s Applied Digital Skills course was implemented in an Intermediate ESL class.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLE)

Room 15A and Online
Hybrid

PBL for your LMS...FTW (LOL!)

Demonstration (90 minute)

Josh Eick

Transform your classroom with the power of Project-Based Learning (PBL)! This proven approach not only equips students with essential skills for higher education but also prepares them for success in today’s tech-driven, collaborative workforce. Discover the fundamentals of PBL and how it fosters modern tech fluency, and explore how to integrate it into your LMS. Whether you’re new to PBL or looking to refresh your toolkit, this session will inspire you to take your teaching to the next level!

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA)

Room 15B and Online
Hybrid

Empowering Educators with AI: A Hands-On Workshop for Lesson Planning

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Celine SIGNORINI BAKAN

The integration of AI into education offers transformative opportunities, yet many educators struggle to incorporate it effectively. This interactive workshop introduces tools like ChatGPT and Claude for creating personalized lesson plans. Participants will follow along on their devices, gaining practical skills to generate lesson plans. Guided exercises ensure they leave with knowledge and experience. The session emphasizes balancing teacher autonomy with AI to enhance creativity and pedagogy.

(AUD: TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: DLE)

Room 16A and Online
Hybrid

Empower Students with AI Literacy: Civics and Career-Related Projects

Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)

Kristi Reyes

Attend this session to learn about short student projects that give students hands-on practice using AI tools to build their digital and AI literacy for everyday tasks. The projects give students experience with generative AI tools and strategies for civics, financial literacy, digital literacy, family literacy, and career readiness purposes.

(AUD: TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLF)

Room 16B and Online
Hybrid

Lunch (Saturday 12:00pm-1:00pm)

Lunch

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

Join us for lunch. Enjoy a meal before heading into more sessions.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Auditorium
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Session 7 (Saturday 1:15pm-2:15pm)

The OTAN Canvas Project: Empowering Adult Educators

Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)

Karin de Varennes

Step into the OTAN Canvas Project and see how it has evolved to support California Adult Education. This session will walk you through the progress of the project—from its launch to the development of the CA Adult Ed Canvas Commons, where educators share ready-to-use courses and materials. We'll explore the stages of Canvas adoption, providing practical tips and strategies to navigate common challenges. Join us to see how far we've come, what we've learned, and where we're headed next!

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, PAC)

Room ABE and Online
Hybrid

Friend or Foe? The Social Risks and Rewards of Generative AI in Education

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Tory Wadlington

AI is a double-edged sword. This presentation explores the risks and rewards of AI in education. We delve into the dangers of oversharing personal information with AI and how it can be exploited. Additionally, we discuss the potential of AI to enhance social-emotional learning (SEL) when trained on high-quality data and ethical guidelines. By understanding both sides, we can harness AI's power for good and create a safer digital learning environment.

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, WFP • CAT: CRR, EEA, SSS)

Room HSD
In-person only

Adult Ed Digital Equity: Hands-On Strategies for Inclusive Digital Learning

Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)

Alayna Effinger. Ed.D.

Digital equity is essential for adult learners to meaningfully engage in today’s digital learning environments. This interactive session will explore digital equity as a foundational prerequisite, focusing on three core pillars: access to digital devices, connectivity to high-speed internet, and digital literacy skill development. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and explore tools for assessing and addressing the needs of diverse learners, including UDL principles & accessibility

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLM, EEA)

Room HiSET and Online
Hybrid

Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Engaging and Retaining Learners Online

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Chris Vela Che (w/ Kristi Reyes)

Adult learners come with intrinsic motivation but still unrealistic expectations of the demands of online learning. This means that teachers need to consider how to keep students engaged so that they will complete their courses. This session explores strategies for fostering engagement and retention in both synchronous and asynchronous online learning environments. Attendees will discover practical tools, techniques, and best practices for creating a motivating learner-centered experience.

(AUD: TEA • PGM: ESL • CAT: DLF, DLM, OEA)

Room 10 and Online
Hybrid

Tech Playground

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 11
In-person only

Wellness Space

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Room 13
In-person only

Using Data to Inform Instruction for Academic Classes

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Karyn Ruiz

The essential component of data-informed instruction is an assessment approach that collects valid and meaningful data from multiple measures on a regular basis. This is achieved with a set of high-quality, standards-aligned assessments in conjunction with well-defined assessment administration policies and schedules. This session will highlight data-informed instructional practices.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE • CAT: DLE, DLM, EEA, OEA)

Room 15A and Online
Hybrid

Unlock the Power of Learn360: Transforming Lessons with On-Demand Resources

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Susan Coulter

Take your teaching to the next level with Learn360, an incredible resource packed with over 374,000 videos, interactive tools, maps, and experiments designed to energize your lessons and engage your learners. Best of all, if you’re a California educator, you can unlock all these tools for FREE through OTAN! In this interactive session, discover how to seamlessly integrate Learn360 resources into your classroom through platforms like Google Classroom, Moodle, and Canvas.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLF)

Room 15B and Online
Hybrid

Tips & Tricks Using Google Classroom

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Maria Pinedo (w/ Liset Caudillo)

Introduction to Google Classroom, what key features it offers, and how both educators and students can use it effectively. We’ll walk you through the platform’s tools and resources, including assignment management, communication features, and collaborative tools like Google Drive, Docs, and Google Meet. Participants will gain practical knowledge of how to implement Google Classroom for a more efficient and engaging learning experience.

(AUD: TEA • PGM: ABE, CTE • CAT: DLM)

Room 16A
In-person only

Free Canvas Courses in ESL and ABE Sponsored by OTAN

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Debbie Jensen (w/ Francisca Wentworth)

Join us as we share the latest list of OTAN-created online Canvas courses in ESL and ABE. Whether it is Advanced ESL, The Write Stuff, or Success in School, Personal Success in Writing, Career Preparation, or Soft Skills for Career Success we have something just for you. You will see the courses and learn how to get your own copies.

(AUD: ADM, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: DLE, OEA)

Room 16B and Online
Hybrid

Close/Tech Slam (Saturday 2:30pm-3:30pm)

Tech Slam and Closing

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

OTAN Staff

The Tech Slam traditionally closes each TDLS. A Tech Slam is where you show everyone something "tech" you know or something you learned during TDLS that you think everyone should know. Each presentation is three minutes, and you can sign up to present during the Tech Slam. All tech tips are encouraged!

(AUD: ADM, STF, TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, CTE, ESL, PAA, WFP • CAT: CRR, DLE, DLF, DLM, EEA, OEA, PAC, SSS)

Auditorium and Online
Hybrid