What OTAN Offers
OTAN provides a variety of professional development sessions in the form of workshops, presentations, conferences, and academies. Each type is listed below with a short description. All OTAN session types are customizable and can be provided as in person, online, open, or closed sessions.
Workshops
Workshops include individual and group hands-on activities related to apps and technology used in an AE setting. Topics selected from the OTAN list of current titles or requests for specific apps or digital tools may be made. All workshops can be customized to meet the needs of a requesting agency. In person workshops are 3-4 hours in length with a minimum number of participants required.
Presentation
A session in which apps, websites, ideas, or devices related to technology are explained using visual aids including slides, sites, videos, and more. Presentations can be scheduled or by request to submit (as for a conference). Duration of a presentation is from 60 to 90 minutes in length with shorter times allowed for online sessions.
Discussion / Workgroup
Where topics and focal points range from building technology plans, technology that promotes diversity and inclusion to creating standards of use and more. Sessions are facilitated by OTAN and include but are not precluded to: Discussions, Meetings, Technology Planning, and Workgroups. All may be scheduled as progressive series.
Series
A progression of workshops, presentations, or workgroups where sessions build upon skills attained in previous sessions (scaffolding). Series sessions are scheduled in advance and may be requested as open or inservice sessions.
Technical Assistance Coaching Opportunity (TACO)
Short meetings intended for quick technical assistance or coaching via Zoom. These meetings are only held virtually for up to 3-4 participants on the same topic. TACOs can run from 20 to 30 minutes. TACOs can be requested by sending an email to support@otan.us with the subject “OTAN TACO.” The topic, along with a few dates and times that work within your schedule, must be included in the request.
Digital Learning ACademy - DLAC
A two year program where OTAN assists agencies in meeting their technology integration, distance learning, or blended teaching goals. For more information visit the DLAC web page.
Technology and Distance Learning Symposium - TDLS
OTAN’s annual conference with dynamic, hands-on presentations, workshops, and lively discussions that show participants how to integrate technology into their adult education programs. For more information visit the TDLS web page.
Poster Session
A casual, short, “show and tell” on a specific topic. Usually scheduled as an online event or conference, these sessions are from 15 to 45 minutes in length and can be scheduled as part of a staff meeting or other similar event. For more information or to schedule, send an email to support@otan.us with the subject “OTAN Poster Session.”
Press Kit
Packets of information pertaining to OTAN that can be sent to organizations or events in lieu of a Vendor table. For more information send an email to support@otan.us with the subject “OTAN Press Kit” - make sure to include the physical address where materials will be sent.
Vendor Table
An OTAN exhibit tended by OTAN staff with information in the form of flyers, brochures or discussion at a conference or similar event. A Vendor table can be scheduled in addition to Inservice workshops or presentations.
For more information
For more information about OTAN Professional Development sessions including scheduling and session customization, send an email to support@otan.us with the subject “OTAN PD Request.” Include your name, phone number, the type of session you would like to discuss along with any questions.