One OER Canvas Course, Many Pathways: Engaging Adult ESL Learners Online

Session 5: 9:15am-10:15am (Saturday March 07, 2026)

 

Description

Adult ESL programs increasingly rely on Canvas to support online, hybrid, and HyFlex instruction, yet many instructors struggle to design engaging, equitable, and scalable courses. This session introduces a fully developed ESL OER Canvas course for intermediate to advanced adult multilingual learners. The course features nine uniform modules with clear learning objectives, real-world topics (such as healthy living, community engagement, and emergency preparedness), quizzes, assignments, discussion prompts, and curated external resources. Presenters will offer a guided tour of the course, highlight how OER and AI-supported tools were used to create content and visuals, and explain how agencies can access and adapt the course through the California Adult Education Canvas Commons. Participants will leave with practical strategies for integrating shared OER Canvas courses to increase student engagement, flexibility, and instructional sustainability across modalities.

Presenters

Lead Presenter Bio Photo

Diana Vera-Alba

San Diego College of Continuing Education at SDCCD

Diana Vera-Alba is a doctoral student whose research focuses on the intersection of AI and OER, and she serves as ESL Program Chair at San Diego College of Continuing Education. She holds a Masters degree in Cross-Cultural Teaching and Leadership, a Multiple-Subject BCLAD Credential, an Administrative Services Credential, a TESOL Certificate, and certifications in Canvas Studio and Creative Commons. She is an OTAN Subject Matter Expert and has taught ESL in online, hybrid, and HyFlex modalities.

Lead Presenter Bio Photo

Chris Vela-Che

San Diego College of Continuing Education at SDCCD

Chris has been an adult ESL educator for more than 10 years. Most of her teaching experience has been with low-literacy to beginning-high English language learners. One of the things she enjoys most about her job is finding ways to integrate digital technologies into her classroom in order to improve her students' learning experience and digital skills. She also enjoys going for long walks and spending time with family and friends.

Type of Presentation

Demonstration (60 Minutes)

Audience

  • Teachers
  • Administrators

Program Strands

  • Adult Basic Education
  • English as a Second Language

Category Strands

  • Digital Learning Foundations
  • Designing Learning Experiences
  • Digital Learning Models