Teach Students to Use Technology; Make Their Lives Easier
Session 1: 10:30am-12:00pm (Friday March 06, 2026)
Description
All of the presenters work with low-literacy beginning ESL students, many of whom lack digital literacy skills and had little or no exposure to smartphones or computers before arriving in the United States. This creates significant barriers to daily life, and many newcomers are reluctant to use technology. Although the presenters have long taught technology skills, they have struggled with student resistance. In response, they created videos demonstrating why technology use is essential. They have observed students riding the bus to school to report an absence, waiting in long lines for class registration help, struggling to communicate with their children’s schools, and being unable to apply for jobs. Since people do not learn skills they do not value, this presentation aims to help teachers persuade students that learning technology is essential for full participation in life in the U.S.
Presenters
Johanna Gleason
San Diego College of Continuing Education
Johanna Gleason is an ESL teacher, a tech nerd, and a long-time disability advocate. She teaches ESL at San Diego College of Continuing Education, specializing in pre-literacy. She is constantly pestering the powers that be at her district to make tech requirements (like school applications) easier for students.
Amanda Simons
San Diego College of Continuing Education
Amanda is an adjunct instructor at the San Diego College of Continuing Education, where she teaches beginning-level ESL to immigrant and refugee populations.
Ryane Willis
San Diego College of Continuing Education
Ryane has taught ESL to students from over 45 countries and 25 different languages in the past 10+ years. She’s a teacher, student advisor, union rep, legislative liaison for Academic Senate and works with the ELL’s in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program. With a master’s in Global Affairs and a MATESOL, she’s right where she wants to be teaching literacy and advocating for immigrant and refugee populations at the San Diego College of Continuing Education.
Jessica Maguire
San Diego College of Continuing Education
Jessica Maguire is a TESOL-certified ESL instructor with 15+ years of experience teaching adult English learners for the San Diego Community College District. She specializes in beginning-level instruction, Hy-Flex and online learning. Her work includes curriculum development for El Civics, English for Parents, citizenship preparation, and online content for USA Learns. She has presented previously at CATESOL and TDLS.
Type of Presentation
Demonstration (90 minute)
Audience
- Teachers
- Administrators
- Support Staff (Transition Specialists, Counselors, Librarians, etc.)
Program Strands
- Adult Basic Education
- Adults with Disabilities
- English as a Second Language
- Workforce Preparation
Category Strands
- Ensuring Equity and Access
- Digital Learning Foundations
- Student Support Services