Teacher Digest
Digest #114
November 2019
News
Different Ways that Students Can Demonstrate Learning External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
There are many other ways for students to demonstrate their learning that are richer and more creative and exciting than always taking quizzes and tests.
Making Your Own Instructional Videos External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
Here is a new resource with ideas on how to get started with making instructional videos, especially for those who have never done so before or have limited experience with creating video.
Taking a Look at the Top Tools for Learning 2019 External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
Since 2007, Jane Hart from the Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies in the UK has been compiling an annual Top Tools for Learning List from the results of an open survey of over 2,500 participants from 46 different countries.
Celebrate Digital Citizenship Week 2019 External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
October 14 to 18 was Digital Citizenship Week. Although the focus is on K-12 students and schools, this week presents many opportunities to think about how we should all be good digital citizens and encourage good online behavior when interacting with others, now and throughout the school year.
A Framework for Understanding Extended Reality External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
We are beginning to see the integration of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), collectively known as extended reality (XR), into the education space, so it’s helpful to have a framework to understand how XR might be introduced and used in the classroom by teachers and students.
Web-Based Class Activities
November
CK-12: Online Digital Textbooks With Built-In Assessments and Much More External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
by Debbie Jensen
Today with the help of technology, we can individualize assignments and offer them in more than one modality. Now there are customizable digital textbooks with interactive content including adaptive practice, simulations, interactives, and study guides. It is CK-12 and it is free, Open Educational Resources (OERs).
October (in case you missed it!)
Do You Speak Emoji? External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
by Kristi Reyes
Are emoji just a passing fad? Or are they a scientifically-researched new vehicular language for the digital age?
Spotlight On...
Teaching With Technology!
Are you looking for a way to integrate technology in your classes? Did you know that OTAN has a section of the website dedicated to Teaching With Technology External Link Icon opens in new window or tab? You can search for a lesson for ESL, ABE, ASE, or even CTE.
On the Teaching with Technology page, start by selecting a program area (ABE, ASE, or ESL). Then, within the program, you can further filter your desired results by the level of the class, a specific subject or skill, and CASAS competency area.
Based on your search parameters, you should get a number of results back. Each result includes the tech tool or website where you begin, other materials you might need, a description of the activity to use in the lesson, what to prepare and how to do the activity, and tips and ideas for expansion. If you’re not satisfied with the results, you can always use the search box in the upper right corner of the website to see what results return by using a specific word or words.
Visit Teaching With Technology External Link Icon opens in new window or tab on the OTAN website and start searching for lesson ideas today!
And please contact OTAN for your technology training needs at any time this year! Email us at support@otan.us External Link Icon opens in new window or tab or call us at 916-228-2580.
OTAN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 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 related to technology for Adult Educators?
Think about scheduling Professional Development for this 2019-2020 school year. With a wide-variety of technology topics in their arsenal, OTAN training staff will go to any WIOA-funded adult education program in CA that has a computer lab or devices connected to the Internet.
All of OTAN's workshops are provided at no-cost!
Each three-hour 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 of OTAN's face-to-face workshops can be tailored to fit the needs of the requesting program. Select the link to see a list of the current face-to-face workshops and, remember, if you don't see a workshop that "floats your boat" contact OTAN - we'll create what you and your staff need!
OTAN's Face-to-Face Workshops External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
OTAN also offers short, online workshops to meet the demands of busy adult educators. Click on the link to see our list of online workshops and webinars: Online Workshops & Webinars External Link Icon opens in new window or tab
All of OTAN workshops are free! Read more about OTAN Training External Link Icon opens in new window or tab and select Face-to-Face or Online workshops options to view complete workshop lists including descriptions and prerequisites.
Need more information? Contact OTAN training staff anytime by phone or email at 916-228-2580 and 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 any!