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OTAN is at CASAS Summer Institute 2026

Posted on 06/12/2026

OTAN is going to CASAS Summer Institute 2026! Our staff and subject matter experts will be leading 20 different sessions from AI to Canvas to preparing for the workplace. We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, June 16

9:00 – 10:15 AM

• How You Talk Matters: Precision over Politeness (Garden 1)
  Focus: Using the CO-STAR framework to improve AI prompting for clearer, more accurate results.
  Speaker: Farzana Cassim
• Supporting Student Learning with the Triple E Framework (Royal Ballroom C)
  Focus: Engagement, Enhancement, Extension and OTAN’s Teaching with Technology database.
  Speakers: Debbie Jensen, Susan Gaer, Susan Coulter, Alisa Takeuchi

10:30 – 11:45 AM

• Crafting Narratives: Gemini Storybook for Adult Education (Royal Ballroom C)
  Focus: Creating AI-powered narrative learning materials and full instructional modules.
  Speaker: Susan Gaer
• Prewriting to Publishing: Using LLMs for Writing Instruction (Madrid)
  Focus: Using AI to design, scaffold, and assess writing instruction.
  Speaker: Kristi Reyes

1:15 – 2:30 PM

• Digital Surgery Workshop: Editing AI Materials (Garden 1)
  Focus: Converting, fixing, and refining AI-generated files (PDFs, slides, images).
  Speaker: Farzana Cassim
• EL Civics on Canvas (Royal Ballroom A)
  Focus: Delivering standards-aligned EL Civics instruction in digital formats.
  Speakers: Alisa Takeuchi, Anthony Burik
• Designing for Equity: Accessible Digital Learning (Garden 4)
  Focus: Accessibility (WCAG, UDL, Section 508) and inclusive material design.
  Speaker: Penny Pearson

2:45 – 4:00 PM

• 2025 Digital Learning Guidance (DLG) (Royal Ballroom B)
  Focus: Applying statewide guidance to instruction and program design.
  Speakers: Joey Lehrman, Anthony Burik
• Turning Data into Classroom Magic with AI (Royal Ballroom C)
  Focus: Using AI to transform assessment data into lesson plans.
  Speaker: Susan Coulter
• Employment & Earnings Survey Tech Strategies (Royal Ballroom E/F)
  Focus: Improving survey response rates using digital tools.
  Speaker: Francisco Pinedo Jr.
• Assessing Learning in HyFlex Classrooms (Grand Ballroom E)
  Focus: Digital tools for formative and summative assessment.
  Speaker: Yesica Tello
• OTAN Free Canvas Courses (Imperial)
  Focus: Accessing and customizing ready-made Canvas courses.
  Speakers: Debbie Jensen, Miranda Currie

Wednesday, June 17

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM

• Preparing English Learners for the Workplace (Grand Ballroom B)
  Focus: IELCE/IET program models and workforce readiness.
  Speaker: Thoibi Rublaitus
  Moderator: Susan Gaer

3:30 – 4:45 PM

• CASAS E-Tests for All Levels (Garden 2)
  Focus: Accessible strategies for digital testing skills.
  Speakers: Yescenia Castro, Elisia Doonan
• Building AI Bots for Learning (Garden 3)
  Focus: Creating custom AI bots using School.ai.
  Speaker: Susan Gaer

Thursday, June 18

9:30 – 10:45 AM

• Math That Opens Doors (Imperial)
  Focus: Using digital tools to improve math engagement and confidence.
  Speaker: Christina Hyatt
• Rural Agencies Technology Support (Garden 2)
  Focus: OTAN coaching and tech integration for rural programs.
  Speakers: Anthony Burik, Penny Pearson, Francisco Pinedo Jr.

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

• Teaching with Technology Database (ESL) (Grand Ballroom B)
  Focus: Ready-to-use ESL lessons aligned with Triple E framework.
  Speakers: Kristi Reyes, Susan Gaer
• Human First: SEL in the Age of AI (Grand Ballroom G)
  Focus: Building social-emotional skills alongside digital learning.
  Speaker: Tory Wadlington
• Elevating Engagement in Canvas (Imperial)
  Focus: Enhancing engagement, equity, and efficiency in Canvas.
  Speakers: Miranda Currie, Christina Hyatt