2022 News
What's Here?
Catch up on recent, and past Adult Education News.
Our Office Will Be Closed for the Holidays
Our office will be closed beginning Monday, December 26th and returning Tuesday, January 3rd.
Our Office Will Be Closed for New Year's Day
Our office will be closed beginning Monday, December 26th and returning Tuesday, January 3rd.
4 Microsoft Education Tools for an Inclusive Classroom
To create accessibility for all learners, Microsoft has developed a list of 4 strategies and tools that can help foster a more inclusive classroom.
AI and the Future of Learning: Expert Panel Report Summary
A panel of 22 experts in AI and in technology integration in learning met to address the amplified pace of integration in technology in learning environments.
Upcoming OTAN Activities - 12/19 to 1/6/2023
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Is Virtual Reality an Adult Education Reality?
The article argues adult education needs technology like VR for equitable access to vocational learning environments and access.
Fostering Powerful Use of Technology Through Instructional Coaching
The findings researched in this pilot serve as a model for leadership teams seeking ways to best empower teachers and technology integration.
Students Succeed 2023 Nominations are Open!
Nominate a deserving adult learner that embodies a resilient spirit, has overcome difficult challenges, and contributes within their own communities to improve their own circumstances.
Learn More About OTAN Curriculum Pilots
OTAN works to negotiate the best free or reduced-cost special offers for online curriculum licenses and professional development resources suggested by our OTAN Advisory Committee and adult educators in the field.
OTAN Special Canvas Sessions (Spring 2023)
These refresher sessions will be offered with an Instructure trainer coming in January 2023.
Upcoming OTAN Activities – Week of 12/12
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Transitioning Moodle to Canvas - OTAN Sponsored Special Event!
With Moodle sunsetting December 31st, 2022, agencies who need additional support with this transfer will have three opportunities for assistance.
Submit a Proposal for the Technology and Distance Learning Symposium 2023
TDLS will be a hybrid event offering in-person and virtual sessions. The in-person event will be hosted by our friends at the Chula Vista Adult School in San Diego.
Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of 12/5
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Celebrate Computer Science Education Week 2022
December 5 to 11 is Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), a time to highlight the importance of computer science education and encourage students to take an interest in computer science.
Our Office Will Be Closed In Observance of Thanksgiving Day
Our office will be CLOSED beginning Wednesday, November 22nd and returning Monday, November 27th, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.
Upcoming OTAN Activities – Week of 11/28
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Professional Development Opportunity - Data Literacy and Communicative Justice
World Education is working with San Francisco State University to offer a virtual, stipended professional development opportunity for adult educators on how to infuse the development of data literacy and communicative justice into our work to support social change.
What, Why, and How to Implement a Flipped Classroom Model
A pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space, and the resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic, interactive learning environment.
How Can TikTok Be Used in the Classroom?
TikTok is likely already used by many of your students, so it makes sense to take advantage of their affinity for the social media platform by using it as part of a teaching plan.
Our office will be closed on Friday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day
Our office will be closed on Friday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day
Upcoming Activities for Adult Educators - Week of 11/14
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Learn More About Apprenticeships
NAW is a nationwide celebration that gives businesses, communities, and educators the opportunity to showcase their apprenticeship programs and apprentices while providing valuable information to career seekers.
California Prisons Linked to Aviation History
Published by Inside CDCR (CA Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation) Editor, Don Chaddock, the article, "Planes, Dirigibles, Mechanics All Part of CDCR History" links the history of aviation and California state prisons.
Why 'Digital Literacy' Is Now a Workplace Non-Negotiable
Currently, "digital literacy" is not a "functional proposition," but a mindset.
Free Fact-Checking Sites for Students and Teachers
These sites are helpful when educating students about credible sources and propaganda.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 11/7
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Triple E Framework Canvas Course
The seven-week instructor cohort just completed the Triple E Framework Canvas course with their final lesson plan "Show and Tell" presentations on October 24th.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 10/31
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Digital Leadership Academy: The Journey Begins
Nine teams are participating in the Digital Leadership Academy's (DLAC) 4th Cohort.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 10/24
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
TDLS 2023 Call for Proposals is Now Open!
Plans are underway for OTAN's Technology and Distance Learning Symposium 2023, scheduled for Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 10/17
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 10/10
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Finally, Some Guidance! Using the Triple E Framework to Shape Technology Integration
Finally, Some Guidance! Using the Triple E Framework to Shape Technology Integration
Celebrate Digital Citizenship Week 2022
October 17 to 21 is Digital Citizenship Week
Digital Leadership Academy 2022 - 2024
OTAN celebrates our new teams to this year’s Digital Leadership Academy.
Taking a Look at the Top Tools for Learning 2022
Since 2007, Jane Hart from the Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies in the UK has been compiling an annual list of Top Tools for Learning from the results of an open survey.
U.S. Department of Education Launches $1 Million Future Finder Challenge to Reimagine Career Navigation for Adult Learners
The U.S. Department of Education invites innovators to submit prototypes for digital tools that will improve the career navigation experience for adult learners.
Videos Every ESL Teacher And Student Must Watch
A list of videos that covers activities, unique learning and teaching methods, useful resources, games, and more that will help you in your ESL journey.
Millions of Californians Lack the High-Speed Internet Capacity Needed to Get a Job
Building digital infrastructure paves the way for jobs for those who need them
DRAW Report Theme 4: Digital Skill Content and Curriculum
Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW): Findings from a National Landscape Scan on Adult Digital Literacy Instruction
DRAW Report Theme 5: Assessing and Validating Digital Skills
Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW): Findings from a National Landscape Scan on Adult Digital Literacy Instruction
DRAW Report Theme 6: Professional Development for Practitioners
Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW): Findings from a National Landscape Scan on Adult Digital Literacy Instruction
Upcoming OTAN Activities – Week of October 3
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
EdTech Promised to Change How Students Learn, But the Real Revolution Lies Within Us
Education waits for the magic something that we can purchase to substantially change student learning.
How Monolingual Teachers Can Support English Language Acquisition for Multilingual Learners
This article discusses the importance of understanding while a student may not be able to speak English, yet they are confident as a “learner in their first language.”
CDCR to Deploy 30,000 Devices in Coming Years
As technology affects nearly every part of our daily lives, it is also changing what rehabilitation looks like in state prisons.
When It Comes to Edtech, How Much Influence Do Teachers Have?
As the education field combats learning loss and everyone is "feeling frayed" to get back to some semblance of normalcy...
Universal Broadband for All Made Possible with the Signing of SB 156
Governor Newsom signed SB 156, 9/19/22, a $6 billion-dollar broadband infrastructure budget that provides "a historic level of funding that will help close the digital divide by expanding access to high-quality internet connectivity across the state."
New Report on Digital Resilience in the American Workforce
What training resources and approaches are most relevant for educators seeking to increase digital literacy and digital resilience?
DRAW Report Theme 1 Overview: Defining Digital Skills and Resilience
Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW): Findings from a National Landscape Scan on Adult Digital Literacy Instruction
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 9/26
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
DRAW Report Theme 3 Overview: Instructional Approaches and Practices
Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW): Findings from a National Landscape Scan on Adult Literacy Instruction
Back-to-School Series: Create (or Update) Your OTAN Account
This is the first in a series of news items that will provide information about essential features of OTAN for you to know as you and your colleagues begin the new school year.
Back-to-School Series: OTAN Trainings
This is the second in a series of news items that will provide information about essential features of OTAN for you to know as you and your colleagues begin the new school year.
Back-to-School Series: OTAN Teaching Tools and Resources
This is the third in a series of news items that will provide information about essential features of OTAN for you to know as you and your colleagues begin the new school year.
Back-to-School Series: OTAN News Items and Social Media
This is the fourth in a series of news items that will provide information about essential features of OTAN for you to know as you and your colleagues begin the new school year.
Back-to-School Series: OTAN Video Presentations and YouTube Videos
This is the fifth in a series of news items that will provide information about essential features of OTAN for you to know as you and your colleagues begin the new school year.
Back-to-School Series: OTAN Special Program and Events
This is the sixth and final in a series of news items that will provide information about essential features of OTAN for you to know as you and your colleagues begin the new school year.
Can Digital Technology Improve Resiliency?
Apps enable us to develop climate resilience, increase productivity and collaboration which improves communication. This allows for better efficiency because people can get more done with a shared drive.
DRAW Report Theme 2 Overview: Advancing Digital Inclusion and Equity
Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW): Findings from a National Landscape Scan on Adult Literacy Instruction
Business Leaders Say Computer Science Needs to be a Core Subject
Over "500 prominent business, education, and nonprofit leaders" called on state governors to update their K-12 curriculum so computer science becomes a core subject.
Bilingual Glossaries and Cognates
While many teachers may speak additional languages other than English, most of us are not fluent in all languages spoken in our adult education programs.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 9/19
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Join the BEST Course for Adult Educators This Fall
OTAN invites adult educators to participate in a professional development course this fall.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is September 17
Each year on September 17, we celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 9/12
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Celebrate Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2022
The National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week this year is September 19 to 23
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 9/5
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 8/29
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 8/22
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Join Our OTAN Advisory Committee
Are you or someone on your staff tech savvy and interested in a leadership role with OTAN?
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 8/15
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 8/8
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 8/1
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
The Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education
We recently learned about the 2020 edition of The Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education.
Two OTAN Courses for Adult Educators This Fall
OTAN invites adult educators to participate in two professional development courses this fall.
Engaging Teachers on EdTech Tool Decisions
In the midst of a great push these last few years to get more technology into the hands of more teachers, students, and staff, a recent survey indicates that teachers do not always feel like a part of the process to decide upon and purchase the tech tools being used in schools and programs.
Some Findings on the Use of Augmented Reality in Education
Even though augmented reality (or AR) has been around for a number of years, many educators are still not familiar with this edtech tool.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 7/25
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Thank You, Penny!
We'd like to take a moment to say special thanks to Penny Pearson, who is retiring from OTAN after 15 years with our organization.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 7/18
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 7/11
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 7/4
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 6/27
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Resources to Close the Digital Divide
In recent months, there has been a flurry of activity focused on bringing resources to the effort to close the digital divide across the country.
Access America, a New Integration ESL Course!
USA Learns is excited to announce the launch of Access America, an innovative and free "integration ESL" course.
Technology and Distance Learning for California Adult Education
OTAN recently submitted to the California Department of Education a report entitled Technology and Distance Learning for California Adult Education.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 6/20
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Our office will be closed in observance of Juneteenth
Our office will be closed Monday, June 20th in observance of Juneteenth.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 6/13
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 6/6
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Congratulations to Our Adult Education Students Succeed Honorees!
Each year, the California Adult Education Students Succeed program recognizes the hard work that adult education students have completed in the pursuit of their personal, academic, and professional goals and aspirations.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 5/30
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Our office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day
Our office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Monday May 30 2022.
A Request for Adult Educator Feedback
From our friends at CrowdED Learning and the EdTech Center at World Education comes a request for educator feedback on a project under development.
The CREATE Adult Skills Network
The Collaborative Research for Educating Adults with Technology Enhancements (CREATE) Adult Skills Network is a national initiative to build knowledge about using technology to support teaching and learning.
Tech Trends We’re Watching
At OTAN, we always try to stay on top of the latest tech trends and how they might impact adult education.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 5/23
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Digital Access and Inclusion on Global Accessibility Awareness Day
May 19 is the 11th Annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
Exploring the Metaverse and Education
We are beginning to see articles and initial research covering what education and learning might look like in the metaverse (which in one definition means a virtual reality or VR space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users).
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 5/16
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 5/9
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 5/2
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 4/25
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
New English Vocabulary Practice for CNAs Lesson Added to USA Learns
Are you looking for free online instruction to teach adult learners in allied health programs?
Some Research Findings on the Use of VR in Education
Virtual reality (or VR) is being used more in education, especially as more users purchase VR headsets and learn more about how VR works and the variety of ways in which VR is being used.
Learning More About HyFlex
Although HyFlex has been around since the 2000s, it has seen a surge in interest during the last year as educators coming out of COVID-19 consider new ways to organize instruction that blends in-person and online learning environments.
Helping Our Students Acquire Digital Literacy Skills
From our partner Digital Promise in collaboration with the Barbara Bush Foundation comes a new publication, Promoting Digital Literacy for Adult Learners: A Resource Guide.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 4/18
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 4/11
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Apply to Join the Digital Leadership Academy 2022-2024!
OTAN announces a professional development opportunity for California adult education agencies through the Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC) 2022-2024.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 4/4
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Web3 – A Reading List
Here is a list of readings to get you started with understanding what all the fuss is about.
Learning More About Micro-Credentials
Even prior to COVID-19, the discussion about the value of degrees versus credentials was well underway, and the conversation has not let up during the disruption of education due to the pandemic.
Advocating for Adult Education During Adult Ed Week
Adult Education Week reminds us of the close connections between adult schools and the communities in which they operate, and how adult education students are involved in bettering their lives, families, and localities academically, professionally, and holistically.
The Value of Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources, or OER, have been around for a while, but they have had a hard time gaining traction over the years. It could be that they are not well known among adult educators.
Activities to Consider for Your Lessons
From our adult education colleague Miguel Guhlin at TCEA comes ALDO, or the Amazing Lesson Design Outline.
Resources for Your Citizenship Program
The 2022 EL Civics Conference, organized by our sister leadership project CASAS, was once again online this year but in a revised format.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 3/28
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 3/21
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 3/14
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 3/7
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 2/28
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 2/21
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Our office will be closed on Monday, February 21st in observance of Washington's Birthday
Our office will be closed on Monday, February 21st in observance of Washington's Birthday
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 2/14
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Our office will be closed on Monday, February 14th in observance of Lincoln's Birthday
Our office will be closed on Monday, February 14th in observance of Lincoln's Birthday
The New and Improved EdSurge Product Index
The EdSurge Product Index, which has been around for about a decade, has recently received a major upgrade and is in beta as the site continues to be refined with additional features.
Learn More About Keeping Everyone Safe on the Internet
February 8 is Safer Internet Day, a worldwide recognition of the need to actively safeguard children and adults when they spend time on the Internet.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 2/7
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Welcome to the 2022 EL Civics Conference!
We are excited to announce that the 2022 EL Civics Conference, organized by our sister leadership project CASAS, is open for learning! Similar to last year's virtual conference, the EL Civics Conference is once again online but in a revised format.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 1/31
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Be a Part of the Building an EdTech Strategy Toolkit Course
In partnership with WorldEd, OTAN is offering the BEST (Building an EdTech Strategy Toolkit) course to California adult educators.
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 1/24
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Contextualized Video Lessons at Adult Ed Med
As we know, video is a powerful tool to use in a lesson, but we often struggle to find video content that is appropriate for our adult students and complementary with the material we are covering in the classroom.
Register for OTAN's Technology and Distance Learning Symposium!
Registration for OTAN's annual Technology and Distance Learning Symposium (TDLS), which will take place online from March 2 to 4, is open!
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 1/17
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Our office will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Our office will be closed on Monday, January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
OTAN Upcoming Activities – Week of 1/10
OTAN provides activities and resources to support our adult education colleagues.
Learning More About Artificial Intelligence
As we look to the future of education, there is no doubt that AI will be a part of our field.
Getting People Connected Through the Affordable Connectivity Program
In the wake of people moving their family, work, and school lives online due to COVID-19, the federal government began the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) in May 2021.
Nominate a Deserving Student for the Adult Education Students Succeed Program
The nomination period for the 2022 Adult Education Students Succeed Program is now open.
Our Office Will Be Closed For New Year's Day
Our office will be closed beginning Thursday, December 23rd and returning Monday, January 3rd.