What's Here?
Catch up on recent, and past Adult Education News.
From Deficit to Growth: A guide to Asset-Based Feedback and Rubric Design
With any learner, sensitivity about how a person receives feedback is important in any position. Words we use as educators can leave long lasting impressions on how a “student views themself as a learner.”
Using Padlet to Engage Students and Build Community in CTE Classrooms
Teachers in Career and Technical Education (CTE) play a significant role in preparing students for real-world careers by providing hands-on learning. One powerful tool to enhance student engagement and foster a strong classroom community is Padlet. Padlet is a digital bulletin board that allows students and teachers to collaborate, share resources, and engage in interactive discussions.
Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of April 28
May 9, 8:00-4:30 pm | OTAN Canvas Regional Summit | In partnership with CAERC at Sacramento County Office of Education. Deadline to register: April 30 Registration Open for 2025 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings! CDE invites chief examiners, test site admin, school counselors and others with a connection to high school equivalency (HSE) and Proficiency exams to an in-person location near your region.
AI for Older Adults: Senior Planet
When we talk about digital divides, it’s important to bridge the gap between older adults and technology. AARP’s Senior Planet offers a variety of technology courses. Free AI classes are available.
Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of April 21
May 9, 8:00-4:30 pm | OTAN Canvas Regional Summit | In partnership with CAERC at Sacramento County Office of Education. Registration Open for 2025 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings! CDE invites chief examiners, test site admin, school counselors and others with a connection to high school equivalency (HSE) and Proficiency exams to an in-person location near your region.
Using Chatbots to Save Teacher Time
Teachers spend lots of time derailed by the busy work of the classroom. With chatbots, teachers can easily spend less time with the busywork and more time with the actual teaching. There are new ones introduced all the time. OTAN SME’s are constantly using and updating their list. See the links below for more on some favorites.
The Science of Motivation
The two articles below offer some tips on motivating learners. Take a look and discover what you already do and what you could do to make it a part of your classroom project.
Upcoming OTAN Activities – Week of April 14
May 9, 8:00-4:30 pm | OTAN Canvas Regional Summit | In partnership with CAERC at Sacramento County Office of Education. Registration Open for 2025 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings! CDE invites chief examiners, test site admin, school counselors and others with a connection to high school equivalency (HSE) and Proficiency exams to an in-person location near your region.
Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of the Department of Education
With the changes occurring in our educational system, this article outlines exactly the roles and responsibilities established when enacted, October 17, 1979, by President Jimmy Carter. One hundred years prior, President Andrew Jackson signed legislation in 1867 to create a Department of Education. When the US “became a global power, the commitment to a specific federal agency for education became essential.” Then, Congress established this Cabinet-level agency with this purpose:
Are your slides too cute? 3 Presentation Tips That Center Student Understanding
Some of us during the Pandemic attempted to keep our adult learners engaged with our presentations. Some of the elements used had nothing to do with the actual content, but the cute bitmoji, animal stickers and blinking lights added a little fun bling. The novelty wore off when eventually a student described the slide and not the actual content.