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2025 News

What's Here?

Catch up on recent, and past Adult Education News.

Infographic: The Time it takes Technologies to go Mainstream

The mainstream adoption of new technology has accelerated. This infographic illustrates this phenomenon by “comparing the invention year...with the year they became widely adopted.”

Adapting HyperDocs to Help All students Learn

This article explores how HyperDocs can be a transformative instructional tool that enhances both synchronous and asynchronous learning by promoting accessibility, applicability, and agility—three pillars aligned with Universal Design for Learning and 21st-century skills.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of May 19

This Week’s Upcoming Activities

Social Media Post Design Mistakes to Avoid Today in 2025

It isn’t too late in 2025 to improve your agency’s social media posts.

Using 3D Printing and Student Input to Aid Accessibility

Senior Leader of Assistive Technology Solutions, Laurie Dale, at Ability Beyond decided to form a “TIP (Technology Innovations for Peers) Squad.” The squad provides adults with disabilities “the chance to learn technology skills and build adaptive solutions to barriers they and their peers face.”

Learn More About Upcoming OTAN Pilot Programs

As a part of our service to the adult education field, OTAN works to negotiate the best free or reduced-cost special offers for online curriculum licenses and professional development resources suggested by our OTAN Advisory Committee and adult educators in the field.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of May 12

This Week’s Upcoming Activities

Using ChatGPT students might pass a course, but with a cost

Date: April 22, 2025 Source: University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of May 5

OTAN Digest - May 2025 This Week’s Upcoming Activities

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

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.

Upcoming OTAN Activities – Week of April 7

April 7-8 | Legislative Advocacy Day! May 9, 8:00-4:30 pm | OTAN Canvas Regional Summit | In partnership with CAERC at Sacramento County Office of Education.

4 Apps that Empower Adult Learners

28 courses with 1,000+ lessons that include songs, videos, and games Web, smartphone, and tablet access for increased time on task English, reading, math, and GED® and HiSET® test prep

Best Deaf Awareness Lessons & Activities

Resources for educators to ensure deaf people can fully access their learning experience.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of March 31

April 7-8 | Legislative Advocacy Day! May 9, 8:00-4:30 pm | OTAN Canvas Regional Summit | In partnership with CAERC at Sacramento County Office of Education.

Resource Links All in One News Item

This is a compilation of the suggested resources for further exploration from each chapter in the IDEAL Distance Learning Handbook: Appendix A.

Khanmigo

Microsoft’s addition to saving teacher time with AI, comes in the form of Khanmigo. Teachers can log in for free. Once an account is created, there are plenty of tools including but not limited to Exit tickets, a Chunk text, Leveler for different reading proficiencies, a SMART goal writer, and a Make it relevant tool to boost student engagement. Khanmigo now integrates cost free into the Canvas LMS too.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of March 24

OTAN is updating the CA Adult Education Digital Learning Guidance (DLG) and need adult educators, workforce partners, & admin. input. Short survey! Deadline March 30 ️New Updated Survey Link April 7-8 | Legislative Advocacy Day!

Social Media in Education: Ideas for the Classroom

Social media use in the classroom might be a relevant way to teach digital literacy and other skills. This article reviewed by Matt Evans from the University of San Diego, Professional and Continuing Education, shares some ideas for the classroom.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of March 17

California Adult Education Students Succeed Nomination Window is open! Nominate adult learners who have changed because of an adult education program. Deadline: Friday, March 21.

Resource Links All in One News Item

This is a compilation of the suggested resources for further exploration from each chapter in the IDEAL Distance Learning Handbook: Appendix A.

CTE: Student Global Competence Training

“Rapid economic, technological, and social changes are creating a world that is ever more interconnected.” To prepare our adult learners to take advantage of global market opportunities and prepare for the future, “companies must hire workers with global compentence” which is the “capacity to understand and act on issues of global significance.”

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of March 10

California Adult Education Students Succeed Nomination Window is open! Nominate adult learners who have changed because of an adult education program. Deadline: March 21. May 9, 8:00-4:30 pm | OTAN Canvas Regional Summit | In partnership with CAERC at Sacramento County Office of Education. OTAN Digest - March 2025

Khanmigo

In the age of AI, students urgently need access to computer science

Author, Julie Flapan shares that school leaders are “overwhelmed with decisions about teaching with AI tools and teaching about artificial intelligence in the classroom.”

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of March 3

Register for TDLS (Technology and Digital Learning Symposium) 2025, a hybrid conference either online or at the Long Beach School for Adults, March 7 and 8, 2025. Public Schedule Link now available! If you would like to attend TDLS in person, registration for in-person attendance will close on Friday, February 28! (Online registration will remain open.)

Google NotebookLM's Sibling: Illuminate

Two generative AI tools, NotebookLM and Illuminate (released September 2024) are free with a Google account. There’s a lot of buzz around NotebookLM and little about Illuminate. This article highlights the benefits of using Illuminate.

Social Media in Education: Ideas for the Classroom

Upcoming OTAN Activities – Week of February 24

Register for TDLS (Technology and Digital Learning Symposium) 2025, a hybrid conference either online or at the Long Beach School for Adults, March 7 and 8, 2025. Public Schedule Link now available!

Google NotebookLM's Sibling: Illuminate

Social Media in Education: Ideas for the Classroom

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of February 17

OTAN will be closed February 17 to commemorate President George Washington’s Birthday. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 18.

President's Day Message

We will be closed to commemorate President George Washington’s Birthday, Monday, February 17th. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 18th.

BRIDGES Digital Resilience Toolkit

BRIDGES aligns the EdTech Integration Strategy Toolkit, the Digital Skills Library, and SkillBlox and creates a Digital Skills repository for foundational, productive and independent learning. This resource organizes digital skills into lesson forward plans. A creator can also submit a resource to share within this Open Educational Resource.

Fresh Takes #2: Adult Ed Research, Summarized for On-the-Go Educators

The latest on AI research.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of February 10

OTAN will be closed February 10 to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 11.

President's Lincoln Birthday Holiday Message

OTAN will be closed today, Monday, February 10th to commemorate President Lincoln’s birthday. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 11th.

4 New Teaching Features for Google Classroom AI, Accessibility, and More

Google “unveiled a series of new features for educators...at the annual edtech conference in London.” If you are a Google user, then you may love the following new features “aimed at improving accessibility...”

Can Digital Pencils Really Revolutionize Math Learning for Students?

Beyond AI and virtual reality tools, this article “highlights the power of something far simpler---the digital pencil.” A digital pencil is a “virtual scratchpad” which “allows students to draw, annotate, and organize their work directly on the screen using a digital pencil or their fingers.” Research suggests this tool can help in supporting diverse learners.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of February 3

Register for TDLS (Technology and Digital Learning Symposium) 2025, a hybrid conference either online or at the Long Beach School for Adults, March 7 and 8, 2025.

OTAN awarded COABE's 2025 State Innovation of the Year Award!

The Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) is honored to announce we have been awarded the 2025 State Innovation of the Year Award from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE).

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of January 27

Register for TDLS (Technology and Digital Learning Symposium) 2025, a hybrid conference either online or at the Long Beach School for Adults, March 7 and 8, 2025. California Adult Education Students Succeed Nomination Window is open! OTAN Digest - January 2025

The Human Advantage: Nine Skills We Can't Afford to Lose in an AI-Powered World

Blogger John Spencer discusses the important human skills vital to retain in an AI, instant, world. The list is not exhaustive but seems timely to remember. Ideas to think about:

Magically Create Refrigerator Poetry in Google Slides

Magnetic Refrigerator Poetry is when there are a bunch of tiny magnets with words on them. Students can then arrange the magnets into a poem. This post has access to this activity in Google Drawings.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of January 20

OTAN will be closed January 20, to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. Register for TDLS (Technology and Digital Learning Symposium) 2025, a hybrid conference either online or at the Long Beach School for Adults, March 7 and 8, 2025. California Adult Education Students Succeed Nomination Window is open! OTAN Digest - January 2025

How to get college credit from job training, the military or even a hobby | Quick Guide

Emma Gallegos, EdSource reporter, wrote about broadening the “ways students may be able to receive credit for what they’ve learned outside a college classroom, whether on the job, through volunteering or even a hobby...” Governor Gavin Newsom “praised credit for prior learning as an important way to recognize the skills that adults pick up in the military or even volunteering through the California Service Corps.” This change would support adult learners and their work and life experiences.

6 Strategies for Building Stronger Collective Efficacy

Have you ever led a team that could not function quite as well as you would have liked or hoped? What feelings come to mind? Frustration? Disappointment? Anger? Leading a team of professionals which don’t believe in themselves as a team is debilitating. Oftentimes the most overlooked impact of team dysfunction are our students. Students are more impacted by a team’s lack of efficacy than anyone on the team. After all, the mission of education is our students, and the greater health of the community begins with a leader building a strong sense of collective teacher efficacy. This strong sense is essential for creating a collaborative and thriving school environment.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of January 13

Registration Open for TDLS (Technology and Digital Learning Symposium) 2025, a hybrid conference either online or at the Long Beach School for Adults, March 7 and 8, 2025. California Adult Education Students Succeed Nomination Window Opens January 1, 2025. Think about the adult learner you would like to nominate!

Getting Devices and Internet to Our Adult Learners

We are pleased to announce an opportunity for California adult learners and our adult education colleagues to obtain refurbished technology and free/low cost wifi. COABE and CCAE are partnering together with human-i-t to bring devices and wifi to covered populations in California. Here are a couple of items to review for more information:

Teaching Martin Luther King, Jr. And Biographies with Teaching with Technology Tool

Teaching Civil Rights is an opportunity to understand how leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. affect current history. With the help of OTAN’s Teaching with Technology database, there are many cost-free resources, and lesson plans available for all program areas. New lesson plans are being created and uploaded for adult educators. For ideas, about Civil Rights biographies, consult the following resources:

As a Principal, I Thought I Promoted Psychological Safety. Then a Colleague Spoke Up.

When communication breaks trust between a colleague, what are some ideas about how to fix the relationship? This blog post written by Damen Scott shares a personal experience where he unwittingly “disregarded [his] colleague’s need to feel supported due to [his] own internalized pressure to perform.”