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)

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)

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

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

Lunch   (Friday 12:00pm-1:00pm)

Session 2   (Friday 1:00pm-2:00pm)

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

Session 3   (Friday 2:15pm-3:45pm)

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

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)

Room 1 and Online
Hybrid

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

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)

Room 5 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

Saturday Sessions

Breakfast   (Saturday 8:00am-9:00am)

Session 5   (Saturday 9:15am-10:15am)

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

AI as a Classroom Ally: Making Digital Learning Interactive in Adult Ed
Follow-along Workshop (90 minute)
Jerry Yamashita (w/ Angela Rodriguez)
As adult education adapts distance learning and independent study to evolving technology, AI offers innovative ways to engage learners—from ESL conversation practice to ASE research projects. This interactive workshop demonstrates how to transform courseware assignments into AI-powered peer discussions and personalized support tools. Participants gain strategies to foster collaboration, strengthen digital and AI literacy, and boost engagement in virtual and blended learning across programs.
(AUD: TEA, ADM • PGM: ABE, ASE • CAT: EEA, DLE, OEA)

Room 5 and Online
Hybrid

Canvas Mastery Paths: Differentiating Is Grating! (Uh, I Mean Great!)
Demonstration (90 minute)
Josh Eick
Canvas Mastery Paths allow teachers to meet every learner where they are—without creating separate lessons. In this session, participants will explore how to use Mastery Paths in Canvas to differentiate instruction, support struggling students, and challenge fast finishers while keeping everyone focused on the same learning outcomes. Attendees will see how easy it is to design flexible, engaging learning paths that boost motivation and reduce frustration for both students and teachers.
(AUD: TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLE, OEA)

Room 9 and Online
Presenter on Zoom

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

Lunch   (Saturday 12:00pm-1:00pm)

Session 7   (Saturday 1:00pm-2:00pm)

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

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

Empowering Adult ESL Learners through Audio Storytelling
Demonstration (60 Minutes)
Katrina Tamura (w/ Kristi Reyes)
Explore how to integrate student audio-storytelling projects into your instruction. Learn how these projects build language and digital soft skills, support course goals, and empower learners. Participants will experience sample activities and materials that serve as authentic assessments, build student agency, and highlight diverse narratives and lived experiences of immigrant students.
(AUD: TEA • PGM: ABE, ASE, AWD, ESL • CAT: EEA, DLF, OEA)

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

Tech Slam   (Saturday 2:15pm-3:15pm)