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Leading adult education through support for and the effective application of technology.

About Us

California Department of Education

California provides a world-class education for all students, from early childhood through adulthood. The California Department of Education (CDE) serves the state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners as a team to prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world. The CDE Adult Education Office provides educational opportunities and services to equip adults with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively as citizens, workers, parents, and family and community members. Adult students are served by school districts, community colleges, community or faith-based organizations, volunteer literacy organizations, public or private nonprofit agencies, public libraries, correctional facilities, and state agencies. California serves nearly one million adult learners annually.

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office includes nine divisions that manage policy and provide students the resources and support they need to reach their goals. The Educational Services and Support Division oversees community college curricula and instructional support, including adult education programs.

Outreach and Technical Assistance Network

The Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) provides electronic collaboration and information, and support for instructional technology and distance learning to literacy and adult education providers in California. OTAN began in 1989 as a project through the CDE, Adult Education Office through federal funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.

International Society for Technology in Education

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate the use of technology to solve tough problems and inspire innovation. ISTE sets a bold vision California Adult Education Digital Learning Guidance 6 ABOUT US for education transformation through the ISTE Standards, a framework for students, educators, administrators, coaches, and computer science educators to rethink education and create innovative learning environments. ISTE hosts ISTELive, one of the world’s most influential annual edtech events. The organization’s professional learning offerings also include online courses, professional networks, year-round academies, peer-reviewed journals, and other publications.

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OTAN activities are funded by contract CN220124 from the Adult Education Office, in the Career & College Transition Division, California Department of Education, with funds provided through Federal P.L., 105-220, Section 223. However, OTAN content does not necessarily reflect the position of that department or the U.S. Department of Education.