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

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About Us
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
Literature Summary
Research Findings
Recommendations
Conclusion
References
Key Terms
Executive Summary
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - Ensuring Equity and Access
Chapter 3 - Foundations of Adult Education and Digital Learning
Chapter 4 - Designing Flexible Learning Experiences
Chapter 5 - Adopting Models that Work
Chapter 6 - Data Driven Instruction and Digital Assessments
Chapter 7 - Fostering Healthy, Equitable, and Inclusive Digital Communities
Afterword
Glossary of Key Terms
References
CA Adult Education Digital Learning Guidance (PDF)
Video Vignettes Chapter Videos
Reader's Guides Facilitator's Guides Online Course
Supplemental Resources

Key Terms

  • Andragogy: A practical and theoretical approach to adult education, where learners are autonomous and self-directed, and educators act as facilitators (Schultz, 2012).
  • Adult Education:
    • ABE/ASE: Adult Basic Education (zero through eighth grade) /Adult Secondary Education (ninth through twelfth grade)
    • AWE: Adult Workforce Education
    • CTE/VE: Career and Technical Education/Vocational Education
    • ELL/ESL: English Language Learner/English as a Second Language
    • GED: General Educational Development (high-school equivalency)
  • Adult Learner:
    • Adult learners: (1) Need to know the why, what, and how of learning, (2) Are autonomous and self-directed, (3) Use prior experiences as mental models and resources for learning, (4) Have a readiness to learn and seek life-related learning experiences, (5) Are contextual and problem-centered (rather than theoretical), (6) Have an intrinsic motivation to learn (Knowles et al., 2020).
  • Blended Learning: Learning experiences that utilize digital or online learning tools that are connected to face-to-face instruction (Murphy et al., 2017).
  • Digital Learning: Learning experiences that utilize digital tools for academic skill building, communication, productivity tools, and learning management systems (Johnston et al., 2015).
  • Distance Education: Learning experiences influenced by an educational organization (i.e., not private study) where the educator and learner are physically separated; educators and learners use digital tools and two-way communication; and there are opportunities for social interaction (Falowo, 2007).
  • Hybrid Learning: Learning experiences that utilize digital or online learning tools, but digital learning and face-to-face instruction are not connected (Murphy et al., 2017).
  • Nontraditional Learners: In higher education, learners who are 25+ years old, ELLs, returning to education after an extended period, or work full-time (Halpern & Tucker, 2015; Turner et al., 2018).
  • NRS: National Reporting System
  • WIOA: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

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OTAN activities are funded by contract CN240137 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.