OTAN Digest - March 2024
Digest #37
March 2024
Spotlight On...
Canvas Renewal
OTAN is happy to announce some positive changes to how we process Canvas Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). The Canvas 2024-25 MOU is now designated as evergreen, meaning, once processed, it will remain in effect for five years or until either your AGENCY or OTAN opts not to renew it.
Another new change is OTAN will pay for the full cost of all AGENCY Canvas licenses for fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26, pending final approval of OTAN’s contract for the next grant cycle by the California Department of Education (CDE).
Any new licenses will be available as of July 1, 2024, provided an AGENCY 2024-25 MOU is on file with OTAN.
New to Canvas
If your agency is interested in learning more about Canvas or are ready to join, but you’ve not yet had an account with OTAN, be sure to visit OTAN’s Canvas page on our website to learn more.
Thank you for your continued partnership with OTAN. OTAN is here to support and assist with any professional development needs. We are here to ensure you have the help you need.
A SkillRise Resource Collection
Designing Technology for Adult Learners: Support and Scaffolding
How AI Reduces the World to Stereotypes
The Upshot for Marketers as Social Media Platforms Evolve in 2024
Understanding Teacher Engagement in Blended Learning Environments
New Guides and/or Plans
Accessibility Resources Available for You
On the OTAN webpage, an educator can find Resources for People with Specific Disabilities. While not a comprehensive list, it’s a great place to look for support. A few resources are included here:
National Deaf Center NDC Accommodations 101: This website includes many resources to ensure deaf people are able to fully access the experiences and activities offered.
NV Access offers a free, downloadable screen reader, NVDA, which enables blind or vision impaired people to access computers running Windows and many third party apps.
Bookshare is a resource for people experiencing dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers.
Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project offers resources useful for transitioning from secondary educational settings to postsecondary education or employment.
If you have additional resources that would benefit our educators and support staff, please let OTAN know. Email us at support@otan.us and include your resource and a short explanation of why it’s helpful.
March
Enhancing Adult Education with Ethical AI: Using with Students
by Susan Gaer, Subject Matter Expert, OTAN
This article explores how adult education students can ethically and responsibly leverage AI to enhance their language and content development.
February
Streamline Planning with AI: Craft Custom Lessons
by Susan Coulter, Subject Matter Expert, OTAN
Save time and energy crafting custom lesson plans with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This article shares step-by-step ways to curate an amazing lesson plan within seconds.
January
Hyflex Successes and Challenges
by Francisco Xavier Pinedo Jr., Subject Matter Expert, OTAN
HyFlex combines the terms hybrid and flexibility. While in hybrid learning, the instructor makes all the decisions about the format, in HyFlex learning is based on students deciding how they would like to be taught.
Deadline to nominate a deserving adult student is March 15, 2024!
Stuck on what to write?
Here are a few tips:
- Read honoree stories.
- Understand the rubric.
- Elaborate on the details!
Remember scorers realize your adult learner is amazing already just because someone, YOU, took the time to write a nomination. Unfortunately, the scorers need more details than they qualified for recognition. Elaborate on what your student has done to complete their goals and how adult education has transformed their lives. Also important is some detail about how they overcame their unique obstacles.
Message from the Director
As we welcome the onset of March, it's exhilarating to witness the roaring enthusiasm within our adult education community. The month holds promising opportunities for us to continue our pursuit of excellence, and I am thrilled to highlight a few key OTAN initiatives.
March is arriving with the might of a lion, and what better way to harness that energy than by participating in the upcoming Technology and Distance Learning Symposium (TDLS) External Link Icon opens in new window or tab on March 1 and 2 at Fremont Adult School. This event promises to be a roaring success, providing us with a platform to explore the latest trends, share insights, and collaborate on innovative approaches to technology in education. Let's kick off March with the roar of TDLS and ensure we set the stage for a month filled with learning and growth.
Our commitment to blended and remote learning options takes center stage with OTAN’s Canvas Project External Link Icon opens in new window or tab. Starting in March, OTAN is sending out renewal notices to existing Canvas agencies and inviting new adult education agencies to embrace this project starting with the 2024-25 program year, marking a powerful transition towards more dynamic and effective digital and blended learning. New this year, OTAN will pay for all license fees in 2024-25 and 2025-26 upon the approval of a fully funded OTAN contract for the next grant cycle with the California Department of Education. OTAN will work with CDE to cover the Canvas license fees for the next cycle and beyond. Reach out to aecanvas@scoe.net External Link Icon opens in new window or tab for more information.
As we navigate the transformative landscape of adult education, we must recognize the driving force behind our efforts – our students. The Students Succeed External Link Icon opens in new window or tab nominations are a chance for us to shine a spotlight on exceptional students who embody resilience, dedication, and success. Nominate External Link Icon opens in new window or tab deserving students by March 15, ensuring we celebrate their achievements and contributions to our learning community.
In the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and celebration, let's march into March with enthusiasm. Whether it's engaging in TDLS, diving into the Canvas Project, or recognizing outstanding students, our collective efforts will undoubtedly make this month both impactful and memorable. As always, I invite you to stay engaged with OTAN to meet all your ed tech, distance, and blended learning needs! Be safe and well!
-Renee Collins
Director, Adult Education
OTAN March and April Events
OTAN training events are OPEN to Adult Education staff.
★ = CLOSED, In-Service Training
Professional Development - Plan Ahead!
Did you know OTAN provides FREE professional development workshops to help Adult Educators integrate technology?
Think about scheduling OTAN Professional Development in the 2023-2024 school year. With a wide variety of technology topics from which to choose, OTAN training staff can provide in-person workshops or presentations at any approved California adult education agency or professional development event, either online or face-to-face with a computer lab or devices connected to the Internet.
All OTAN's workshops are provided at no cost!
Each session is hands-on - everyone will learn new skills related to technology or using technology that they can use in their adult education class or program. And all OTAN online or face-to-face workshops can be tailored to fit the needs of the requesting program. Select the links to see a list of the current online or face-to-face workshops and descriptions. If you don't see a workshop that is exactly what you need, contact OTAN - we'll work together to create a training that's best for you and your staff!
Need more information? Contact OTAN training staff anytime by phone at (916) 228-2580 External Link Icon opens in new window or tab, or by email at support@otan.us External Link Icon opens in new window or tab.
To view workshops already scheduled, visit the California Adult Education Professional Development Calendar External Link Icon opens in new window or tab and search for workshops sponsored by OTAN. Don't miss out!