2026 News

What's Here?

Catch up on recent, and past Adult Education News.

Why is the Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC) so impactful?

Applications are still open for OTAN’s two year cohort, the Digital Leadership Academy. DLAC has had a huge impact on Silicon Valley Adult Education, and Aruna Subramanian is sharing what made this experience so impactful.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of July 6

Happy 250th Independence Day!

DLAC Applications Open for 2026-2028

The applications for our sixth Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC) for the 2026–2028 cohort are still open until August 10!

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of June 29

Low-Cost Devices: Laptops, Hotspots, and More

In a major push to close the digital divide, the California Department of Technology (CDT) has launched an updated interactive portal on its Broadband for All website.

Closing the Digital Divide: What California’s “Broadband for All” Initiative Means for Adult Education

The Broadband for All initiative is run by the California Department of Technology (CDT) and the California Broadband Council.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of June 22

Bay Area Canvas Summit Brings Educators Together for Dynamic Learning

In partnership with the Contra Costa County Adult Education Consortium, OTAN recently hosted a highly successful Canvas Summit, bringing together 103 educators for a full day of meaningful professional learning, collaboration, and innovation. The event featured four thoughtfully designed instructional tracks, allowing participants to engage in sessions tailored to their experience level, whether they were brand new to Canvas or seasoned users looking to deepen their expertise.

Free Career Exploration Tool for California Adult Education Classrooms

The California CareerZone is a powerful, free online resource designed to help adult learners assess their skills, discover matching career pathways, and build actionable plans for the future. Funded and supported by state resources, this platform is an incredible asset for adult educators looking to bridge classroom learning with real-world career goals. With a free account, students can dive into personalized interest profilers, work importance, and skills profilers. Meanwhile, educators can create a free account to unlock robust tracking tools to monitor student progress, assign custom tasks, and actively collaborate on their career journeys.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of June 15

OTAN is at CASAS Summer Institute 2026

Bay Area Canvas Summit Brings Educators Together for Dynamic Learning

Introducing the OTAN Course Outline Builder

OTAN is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new, free online tool: the Course Outline Builder.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of June 8

Explore AI Literacy in Adult Education

Artificial Intelligence is transforming classrooms, workplaces, and daily life at an unprecedented pace. To help educators navigate this evolving landscape, the Department of Labor released this framework as a resource designed to build foundational AI literacy specifically tailored for adult learners.

Success of Digital Leadership Academy

OTAN wants to congratulate the members of the 2024-2026 Digital Leadership Academy cohort for successfully completing their two-year program.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of June 1

This Week’s Upcoming Activities

Trying out Diffit, an AI co-teacher Centered on Pedagogy

Diffit’s website states that “teachers use Diffit to create and adapt instructional materials for their diverse classrooms, saving tons of time and helping all students to access grade-level content.”

Free tool to provide U.S. Citizenship Speaking Practice for Adult Learners

Adult education instructors looking for innovative ways to prepare students for the U.S. naturalization interview have a powerful new resource. ESLvideo.com has launched a suite of voice-enabled, AI-powered "Chattybots" specifically designed to help English language and adult literacy learners master the civics portion of the exam.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of May 25

New Free Math Curriculum "ANDE" Launches to Support California Adult Educators

As California’s adult education programs continue to seek high-quality, accessible instructional materials, a new resource is making waves in classrooms across the state. Adult Numeracy in the Digital Era (ANDE), an Open Educational Resource (OER) developed by WestEd in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and World Education.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of May 18

New AI Course – Delivered via Text Message by the Department of Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor has launched Make America AI-Ready, a free, one-week introductory course designed to bridge the digital divide for workers. For educators in adult education programs (whether ABE, HSE, ESL, or CTE), this tool represents a unique opportunity to introduce AI literacy without the need for computer labs, stable Wi-Fi, or high-cost hardware.

Explore Google’s Newest AI Tool "Career Dreamer” in Your Classroom

As California’s adult education programs continue to serve as the vital link between displaced workers and the modern economy, a new AI-powered ally has arrived to help students narrate their professional journeys.

Upcoming OTAN Activities - Week of May 11

Upcoming Activities - Week of May 4

OTAN is at CCAE 2026!

OTAN will see you in San Diego! At the 2026 CCAE Conference, OTAN staff and subject matter experts will share practical strategies, tools, and real‑world applications focused on Canvas design, Generative AI, accessibility, UDL, digital equity, ESL, math instruction, neurodivergent supports, and adult education program design.