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


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)
M.U.R.
In-person only

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

Joyful and Resilient Teaching for Adult Learners
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Roni Habib
In this interactive and energizing session, explore how to strengthen social and emotional intelligence—personal and learner—to create learning environments where adults feel respected, engaged, and empowered. Gain practical tools to bring more joy, connection, and meaning into teaching while supporting learner persistence, confidence, and growth. A highly interactive, experiential session—expect reflection, connection, and moments of fun that model what effective adult learning can feel like.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: EEA, OEA, SSS)

M.U.R. and Online
Hybrid

Session 1   (Friday 10:30am-12:00pm)

Personalizing Your Communications in a Virtual Setting
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Marian Sebe
Virtual spaces may oftentimes seem large and lack personalization. Creating a personalized space through multi media options can add warmth, personality and fun to your day-to-day communications to further engage learners.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ASE, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE, OEA)

Room 1 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

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)
Room 2
In-person only
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)

Room 3 and Online
Hybrid

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)

Room 5 and Online
Hybrid

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)

Room 6 and Online
Hybrid

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)

Room 8 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

Oh, What a Gem You Are: Exploring Google Gemini for Educators
Demonstration (90 minute)
Farzana Cassim
This session provides an overview of Google Gemini, focusing on what the tool can do today. Through live demonstrations, participants will explore Gemini’s multimodal capabilities, including working with text and images, to better understand how it supports thinking, communication, and access to information. The session emphasizes realistic use cases, current limitations, and appropriate use alongside human judgment.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLF, DLE)

Room 9 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

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)
Room 17
In-person only
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)
Room 18
In-person only
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)
Room 24b
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 our afternoon sessions.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: SSS)
M.U.R.
In-person only
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)
Room 2
In-person only

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)
Room 2
In-person only
Joining OTAN Digital Leadership Academy & Developing Community Partnerships
Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)
Liset Caudillo (w/ Maria Elena Mendoza)
Come hear what DLAC is all about and how your participation can help further your schools technology goals to enhance student learning. Listen to a Non-Profits DLAC journey and the impact it has made to teacher instruction. Stay for a discussion on establishing effective community partnerships and the importance of consistent networking
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: OEA, SSS, PAC)

Room 3 and Online
Hybrid

Click, Tap, Learn: 7 Keys to Accessible, Student-Centered Websites
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Carolyn "Dr. Q" Quetzal
Unlock the secrets to creating adult education websites that work for everyone! This session reveals seven critical design strategies—intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, accessibility, second language support, and more—using wvoc.net as a live model. Learn how these principles boost enrollment, enhance student satisfaction, and deliver measurable impact.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLE, OEA)

Room 4 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

The Folsom Prison Blues Remix: Using Canvas to Unlock Potential Behind Bars
Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)
Rachel Kralyevich (w/ Shannon Woods-Principal of Greystone Adult School)
I hear that whistle blowin' down the cellblock line. Greystone's got a mission, got a master plan in mind. Smart Boards on the walls and laptops in the room. CANVAS is the answer, gonna chase away the gloom. Technology's the pathway to a better life ahead. Education's the foundation, that's what all the teachers said. That online education, it's a lifeline in the night. Smart Boards and the laptops shinin' bright. We adjust, we adapt, we find another way. CANVAS behind the walls is here to stay.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE • CAT: DLM, CRR, PAC)

Room 5 and Online
Hybrid

Human First: Teaching SEL to Adult Learners in the Age of AI
Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)
Tory Wadlington
Technology and AI are transforming education—but adult learners still need strong social-emotional skills to thrive. This session explores practical strategies for teaching SEL in digital learning environments, empowering adult learners to develop self-awareness, resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking in a tech-driven world.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: DLF, DLE, OEA)

Room 8 and Online
Hybrid

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)
Room 18
In-person only
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)
Room 24b
In-person only

Session 3   (Friday 2:15pm-3:45pm)

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)
Room 2
In-person only
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)
Room 3
In-person only
AI-assisted Story Creation for Students
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Barry Bakin
Bring the power of AI-Assisted Story Creation to students for pleasure reading, assignments, family literacy, and exciting personal projects! Learn how to use AI and other Apps to create both the text and the images for imaginative storytelling and book creation!
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL • CAT: DLE, OEA)

Room 5 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

Beyond Static Examples: Using AI to Build Interactive Examples for Students
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Matt Rhoads
Move beyond static examples and learn to create dynamic, interactive tutorials for any subject. This hands-on lab demystifies using generative AI as a powerful instructional design partner. No coding required! We will walk through a practical workflow: crafting effective prompts, refining AI-generated HTML code, and deploying the finished tutorial directly into your LMS. This session provides a replicable process to build engaging, step-by-step learning experiences and time to build your own.
(AUD: TEA, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE, DLM, OEA)

Room 6 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

An Introduction into TOPSpro Enterprise (TE) Portals
Demonstration (90 minute)
Adrian Boggess
TOPSpro Enterprise Portals are easy-to-use web-based applications designed for different level of users, from administrators to teachers to students and other roles in between. The intuitive interface provides agency, class, and student level data with customizable views and reports. TE Portals use the same database as TE, which makes the application work seamlessly with TOPSpro Enterprise (TE), CASAS eTests and TE Classmate.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: DLF, OEA, PAC)

Room 8 and Online
Hybrid

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)
Room 17
In-person only
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)
Room 18
In-person only
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)
Room 24b
In-person only

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)
Room 2
In-person only
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)

Room 3 and Online
Hybrid

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)

Room 6 and Online
Hybrid

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)

Room 9 and Online
Hybrid

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)
Room 18
In-person only
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)
Room 24b
In-person only

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)
M.U.R.
In-person only

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)
Room 2
In-person only
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)

Room 9 and Online
Hybrid

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)
Room 17
In-person only
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)
Room 18
In-person only
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)
Room 24b
In-person only

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)
Room 2
In-person only
CANCELED: Best Buzz on Tech Tips for the Teacher Professional
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Dana Sanchez
This is a fun "mish mash" of resources! Teachers will be reminded of old apps, old websites, old ways of teaching and integrating tech into their classrooms; while learning new apps, new websites, new ways of teaching and integrating tech into their classrooms. This presentation will run for 90 min and give the audience an opportunity to build their "Super Tech Teacher" skills. They will learn ways to bring it all together in classroom with tech tips that will be vital to their teaching clarity.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE)

Room 3 and Online
Hybrid

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)
Room 8
In-person only
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)
Room 17
In-person only
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)
Room 18
In-person only
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)
Room 24b
In-person only

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)
M.U.R.
In-person only
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)
Room 2
In-person only

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)
Room 1
In-person only
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)
Room 2
In-person only
CANCELED: From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Accessible Technology in Action
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Lynne Ruvalcaba
Discover practical, accessible technology tools that help every adult student succeed, regardless of language background, literacy level, or learning difference. This interactive session equips educators with free and low-cost solutions including text-to-speech, translation tools, assistive technology, and Universal Design for Learning strategies. Learn to remove barriers, personalize instruction, and become a technology leader who champions equity in your classroom and school.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLE, CRR)

Room 3 and Online
Hybrid

Water & Watts & Words - Oh My!
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Carolyn "Dr. Q" Quetzal
Looking for eco-friendlier ways to use AI - Learn how to craft AI prompts that get the answers you need without the extra energy drain. This session teaches “eco-friendlier prompting,” so educators and students can work smarter, greener, and faster while using AI responsibly.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLF, DLE, OEA)

Room 4 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

Power Up Your Teaching with OTAN’s Free Canvas Courses
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Miranda Currie (w/ Debbie Jensen)
Explore OTAN’s free Canvas courses available through Canvas Commons for all adult education programs. Learn how to copy and personalize courses for your own blended, hybrid, remote, or in-person classes. Participants will explore available courses, choose one to try, and learn how access a free OTAN Canvas account for their school.
(AUD: STF, TEA, ADM • PGM: ASE, PAA, CTE, WFP, ABE, AWD, ESL • CAT: DLF, DLE, DLM)

Room 5 and Online
Hybrid

Why and How to Create An AI Policy for the Classroom
Panel or Facilitated discussion (60 minutes)
Maricel Manglicmot
We will look at how to create, and discuss, a classroom policy for AI use in the classroom using available models.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ASE • CAT: DLF)

Room 6 and Online
Hybrid

Access to Impact:Equitable Learning for Adult and Justice-Impacted Learners
Follow-along Workshop (60 Minutes)
Tory Wadlington
Digital access alone is not equity. This session explores how adult education and correctional education programs can intentionally design digital learning experiences that remove barriers, support adult learners with disabilities, and meet the unique needs of incarcerated youth. Participants will examine practical strategies grounded in UDL and adult learning theory to move from access to meaningful engagement.
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, WFP • CAT: EEA, DLF, DLE)

Room 8 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

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)
Room 18
In-person only
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)
Room 24b
In-person only

Tech Slam   (Saturday 2:15pm-3:15pm)

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, you can present in person or virtually, and you can sign up to present at the start of the Tech Slam. All tech tips are encouraged!
(AUD: TEA, ADM, STF • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL, PAA, CTE, WFP • CAT: DLE, OEA, PAC)

M.U.R. and Online
Hybrid