OTAN Digest - April 2024
Digest #38
April 2024
Spotlight On...
The Digital Leadership Academy (24-26) – Application opens April 1st!
The Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC) represents a transformative opportunity for adult education agencies, offering a pathway to innovation and growth. By participating in DLAC, agencies gain access to a comprehensive outline designed to enhance their capabilities in various key areas.
DLAC provides a structured professional development, equipping educators with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of digital education. From technology integration to effective communication and conflict resolution, DLAC empowers educators to excel in their roles.
Technology plays a crucial role in education. DLAC offers agencies the tools and strategies needed to seamlessly integrate technology into their teaching practices, enhancing the learning experience for students and educators alike.
Through DLAC, agencies can collaborate with peers, share best practices, and learn from each other's experiences. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and creativity, driving continuous improvement within adult education. For more information, read this news item: DLAC Cohort 4 Navigates and Excels in Year 1.
DLAC assists agencies in developing strategic plans tailored to their unique goals and objectives. By aligning DLAC initiatives with agency priorities, participants can effectively chart a course for success and drive meaningful progress towards their organizational goals.
We provide ongoing support and guidance to participants throughout their journey. Whether it's through workshops, online meetings, or team coaching sessions, agencies can rely on DLAC to provide the support they need to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives.
Ultimately, participation in DLAC is about elevating the quality of adult education and ensuring that learners have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. By embracing innovation and excellence, DLAC participants are driving positive change and shaping the future of adult education.
DLAC offers a unique opportunity for adult education agencies to enhance their capabilities, drive innovation, and make a positive impact on the lives of learners.
Consider applying for the 2024-26 cohort!
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Assistive & Accessible Technology
This webpage explores the differences between assistive and accessible technology. To summarize:
Assistive technology is a piece of software or hardware designed to perform a specific task. These are some examples:
- Braille keyboard
- Screen reader software (reads aloud from digital text)
- Speech to text software (People can use their voices to enter text into a word processing document.)
Accessible technology is technology with “built-in customizable features.” These technologies support individuals to best meet “their unique needs within their environments.” Computer and mobile devices have accessibility features ready to use, so the person doesn’t need additional software or hardware. Some examples include:
- Screen contrast choices
- Text size choices
- Immersive reader
Visit OTAN’s Accessibility Resources Webpage for more information.
April
Hybrid, Hyflex, and Online Live Learning Modalities
by Diana Vera-Alba, Subject Matter Expert, OTAN
Educators and students benefit from the flexibility of the various learning modalities now available for adult education programs. Preparation is key to the success of these innovative and engaging learning environments. In this article, you will learn about the characteristics that differentiate the Hybrid, HyFlex, and Online Live learning modalities and some tips to assist you in preparing for, planning, and implementing these innovative modes of instruction.
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.
New or Renewing OTAN Canvas Licenses?
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).
For further assistance, email aecanvas@scoe.net.
Message from the Director
OTAN recently participated in the 25th Annual Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) national adult education conference. If you’ve never been, this hybrid conference is a must-do for administrators, teachers, and support staff alike. Over 2900 adult ed practitioners descended on the Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee for 4 days of high-quality learning and networking across 15 strands. With over 50 presentations to choose from in each session block, there was no lack of choice. I was drawn to workshops focused on career pathways, digital literacy & technology, and professional development. While presenters from OTAN and California participated in strong numbers, there were amazing presentations from all over the United States, and it was incredible to learn about the similarities and differences in how other states are approaching topics like IET/IELCE, CTE pathway development, building partnerships using DEIA engagement strategies, and statewide professional development. As you consider your agency needs, and develop your professional learning goals for 24-25, consider attending COABE ’25 in Dallas, Texas. The California Council for Adult Education (CCAE) is a close partner of COABE, and CCAE will be hosting their state conference in Anaheim in early May.
If you’re looking for quality professional development closer to home and related to technology, OTAN, as of April 1, opened applications for its longstanding and outcome-oriented training program, the Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC) External Link Icon opens in new window or tab. DLAC is designed to be flexible in how agencies can best use the resources offered by OTAN to support their agency’s technology goals. DLAC projects are generally aligned to agencies’ continuous improvement goals.
Teams of 2-3 individuals from each agency should include the following criteria:
- A diverse team of teachers, coordinators, and/or administrators
- Identified team is made up of individuals who can help meet the goals of the agency
- Commitment to complete the Digital Leadership Academy, a two-year obligation
- Willingness to learn and implement or develop leadership skills
- Willingness to share integration strategies, experience, and/or learn new technology skills
Apply early! DLAC limits its cohort size to 30 participants and aims to create a strong match between its agencies, coaches, and intended goals.
As always, I invite you to stay engaged with OTAN to meet all your ed tech, digital, and blended learning needs! Reach out to support@otan.us External Link Icon opens in new window or tab and request a workshop or presentation for your staff. Be safe and well!
-Renee Collins
Director, Adult Education
OTAN April and May 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!