OTAN Digest - June 2023
Digest #28
June 2023
Message from the Director
Congratulations to your certificate earners and recent grads! It’s a time of transition and new beginnings. In this month’s digest, I’d like to highlight two opportunities. The first is an invitation to complete as well as distribute the Digital Equity Survey developed by the California Department of Technology. This survey will help inform California’s Digital Equity Plan. The purpose of the plan is to ensure equal access to digital technologies, services, and resources for all individuals and communities within the state. Resources to assist with distribution are available in the Digital Equity Survey Outreach Toolkit for Partners.
The second opportunity is an offer of professional learning. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how educators think about digital equity, education, and the future of work according to the Ed Tech Center at World Education. In May, Rachel Riggs, Technical Advisor for World Education, led a series of four 30-minute webinars focused on AI. If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard about AI and maybe even tried ChatGPT (released in November 2022), but you wouldn’t consider yourself an expert. Can anyone yet? In this series, learn about the uses of AI and how it works. Get information on how technology expands our ability to build off others’ work while still maintaining the human touch. Hear how adult educators are using AI to assess, engage, and educate students. Consider some of the problems and opportunities that AI presents. I have shared the links to the videos below; however, the Ed Tech Center has also developed some curated resources to support educators and is hosting CampGPT this summer to explore AI tools and to provide time to collaborate and learn together.
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EdTech Bytes: Generative Artificial Intelligence -- Zero to Hero
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EdTech Bytes: Generative Artificial Intelligence — Power of Open
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EdTech Bytes: Generative Artificial Intelligence -- Making it Work
Have a great start to your June and don’t forget to reach out to support@otan.us for assistance with training needs for your agency. We look forward to working with you soon!
-Renee Collins
Director, Adult Education
A Special Message From Dr. Zachry
The CDE, OTAN, and CAEP TAP recently participated in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) workshops happening throughout CA. Several topics were discussed and recommended strategies to address the needs of different populations and outcome areas. Strategies included providing technical support and funding for devices, training and deploying Digital Navigators, partnering with existing services and organizations, investing in digital literacy training for incarcerated individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those with language barriers, supporting ethnically diverse hires and partnerships, prioritizing rural areas for infrastructure development, promoting opportunities for women and LGBTQI+ individuals, transforming schools into community centers, investing in telehealth and healthcare training, expanding digital literacy programs, supporting workforce development and economic growth, improving essential services accessibility and civic engagement, and collaborating with tribal communities.
The purpose of the State's Digital Equity Plan is to ensure equal access to digital technologies, services, and resources for all individuals and communities within the state. The goal is to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion, thereby reducing disparities in digital access, skills, and opportunities. Another goal is to address barriers to digital equity and develop strategies to provide affordable broadband access, promote digital literacy and skills development, and support the use of digital technologies in various sectors such as education, healthcare, workforce development, and civic engagement.
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has developed two comprehensive digital equity surveys. These surveys aim to identify the barriers and needs of individuals in unserved and underserved communities, informing the State's Digital Equity Plan.
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THE DIGITAL EQUITY SURVEY
– for individuals
The Digital Equity Survey is intended to identify the digital equity barriers and needs of California’s residents (everyone, including our students). The survey can be taken online or via mobile phone. It is accessible in 14 different languages and includes audio functionality for limited English proficiency and limited literacy residents. Below are links to the survey and an outreach toolkit to promote to your clients, customers, and constituents.
Your feedback is crucial in designing solutions to ensure equitable access to internet service, devices, skills training, and support for all residents in California. When you contribute to identifying barriers to internet access, affordability, and adoption, you are helping close the digital divide in the state. The survey is available in multiple languages, completely anonymous, and designed to represent all neighborhoods and demographic groups, making it inclusive and accessible for everyone. Approval of this plan would qualify California for additional funds to ensure all residents have access to affordable internet, devices, and skills training.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND DISTRIBUTE THE DIGITAL EQUITY ECOSYSTEM MAPPING (DEEM) TOOL
– for agencies
We are asking partners to map their digital equity work and help us develop an inventory of organizations, programs, funding, and other resources that are, or can be, leveraged to promote digital equity and support implementation of the Digital Equity Plan. Please take a moment to fill it out for your organization and encourage others in your network or community to do so as well.
By providing your feedback, you will help the California Department of Technology (CDT) understand the programs, services, and their reach in addressing digital equity. Your organization will also be recognized as a supporter of digital equity initiatives in the state. It only takes around 10 minutes to complete the survey, and your input will inform the state's Digital Equity Plan and its funding decisions.
Adult Education was present and attended the Sacramento and Grass Valley workshops. There were many agencies present that represented adult ed. Have you attended? Please see where the nearest event might be and participate! https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/events/#sdep
What are CDE and OTAN doing to contribute to the conversation?
CDE and OTAN met with a researcher from the CA Department of Technology. Dr. Zachry and the team shared what the state and our agencies are doing around digital equity and access. The data from our intake surveys and teacher assessments were presented. Attached are data graphics from our surveys; shared with BEAD leaders.
The data obtained from our annual intake survey holds significant importance. It is essential to reiterate that the intake survey is a requirement for all agencies to fulfill. Allocate and plan time for students to complete the survey at the beginning of the new year. The data derived from the intake survey plays a crucial role in enabling you to make well-informed decisions at the local level for your learners, as well as for us at the statewide level.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Zachry, Ed.D.
Education Administrator and State Director
Adult Education Office
California Department of Education
916-322-2175
adulteducation@cde.ca.gov
News
For Teachers
How Instructional Technology is Impacting Higher Education
15 (Free) Ways To Create Unforgettable Multimedia With Adobe Express
Join a Broadband for All Digital Equity and BEAD Planning Regional-Local Workshop
For Administrators
Improving Access to Computer Science Can Help Students Catch Up After the Pandemic
Conversations About The Innovation & AI Frontier
Carnegie Foundation, ETS Partner to Transform the Educational Pillars They Built
OTAN is committed to sharing information about accessibility with the adult education field. On our Accessibility Resources, you will find OTAN-developed resources as well as resources you can use to learn more about accessibility and create your own accessible content.
Web-Based Class Activities
June
ChatGPT: Risks, Challenges, and the Future
by Susan Gaer
Many people think that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is new, but translation services, speech recognition, personalized learning with language learning apps, and grammar/spelling checkers are all forms of AI that we have become accustomed to.
May
What's New in Online Civics Education and Citizenship Prep?
by Jennifer Gagliardi
Seven new online civics education and citizenship resources from USCIS, LINCS, and more.
April
Classroom Video on Demand and Learn360 in the Blended Classroom
by Susan Coulter
Learn360 is a great resource for blended learning. With Learn360, you can have your learners watch a video or complete a game or activity to support what you are teaching in the classroom.
Spotlight On...
Digital Learning Guidance
In recent years, the focus in adult education has shifted from distance education to digital learning, or learning experiences that utilize digital tools for teaching and learning. Digital learning can happen in any learning environment—whether online, in-person, or blended—but requires adult learners to develop digital literacy and exhibit digital resilience.
Digital Literacy includes the ability to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate digital information.[2]
Digital Resilience signifies having the awareness, skills, agility, and confidence to be empowered users of new technologies and adapt to changing digital skill demands.[3]
The Guidance covers best practices across a variety of topics that are foundational to effective digital learning, beginning with access and equity. OTAN provides cost-free sessions introducing agencies to the Guidance at support@otan.us. Schedule professional development today for next school year.
OTAN June and July Events
| Date/Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jun 1 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Canvas Q & A for Teachers and Administrators | Online - Zoom |
| Fri, Jun 2 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Share A Tech Best Practice in Data Collection | Online - Zoom |
| Wed, Jun 7 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Canvas: Admin. Account Fundamentals | Online - Zoom |
| Thu, Jun 8 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
Using Northstar for Teaching and Learning ★ | Torrance Adult School Griffith Adult Center Torrance, CA |
| Thu, Jun 8 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
Advancing Canvas: Google Integration | Online - Zoom |
| Fri, Jun 9 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
Advancing Canvas: Group Work and Collaboration | Online - Zoom |
| Fri, Jun 9 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
OTAN Tech Talk: Google Keep for Teachers | Online - Zoom |
| Wed, Jun 14 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Canvas: Admin Review and Troubleshooting | Online - Zoom |
| Fri, Jun 16 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Creating With Canva - Scintillating Slides | Online - Zoom |
| Tue, Jun 20 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Canvas Q & A for Teachers and Administrators | Online - Zoom |
| July Events TBA | ||
OTAN training events are OPEN to Adult Education staff.
★ = CLOSED, In-Service Training
Students Succeed Certificates Awarded!
Congratulations to the students who were awarded certificates as well as those who were nominated!
The following list of students will be awarded certificates and will be featured on the CA Adult Ed Students Succeed website as the resources become available beginning next week (6/5).
Lidia Melendez
San Juan Adult Education
Jennifer Mowry
San Juan Adult Education
Ri'Keishia Seward
Highlands Community Charter Technical Schools
Rosa Torres
R. Rex Parris High School
Celia Zhang
Mt. San Antonio College
Cecilia Delgado
Harbor Occupational Center
Yolanda Reyna
Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School
Jorge Lopez
Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School
Jose Bonilla
Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School
Ester Abelido
Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School
Sira Kone
Berkeley Adult School
Jinhui Wang
MiraCosta Community College
Muska Gharwal
Fremont Adult School
Everette Martinez
Venice Skills Center
Francisco Solano
Salinas Adult School
Maria Norma Trejo
Montebello Community Adult School
Maria Luisa Rosas
Harbor Occumpational Center
Francisca Juarez
Huntington Beach Adult School
Manuel Angulo
Garden Grove Adult Education
Sara Basiri
Mt. San Antonio College
Laila Owens
Moreno Valley Community Adult School
Maria Cornellier
Castro Valley Adult & Career Education
Maria Jose Perez
South Bay Adult School
Reem Shabieh
Petaluma Adult School
Siriwan Sadompruek
Petaluma Adult School
Sulamita Cuevas
Elk Grove Adult Career Education
Fabiola Gonzalez
Monterey Adult School
Alonda Schock
San Joaquin Delta College
Mabel Arnold
Harbor Occupational Center
Iris Cruz
Riverside City College
Cinthya Duran
South Bay Adult School
Elisa Takagi
Oxnard Adult School
Professional Development - Plan Ahead!
Did you know OTAN provides FREE professional development workshops to help Adult Educators integrate technology?
Think about scheduling OTAN Professional Development in the 2023-2024 school year. With a wide variety of technology topics from which to choose, OTAN training staff can provide in-person workshops or presentations at any approved California adult education agency or professional development event, either online or face-to-face with a computer lab or devices connected to the Internet.
All OTAN's workshops are provided at no cost!
Each session is hands-on - everyone will learn new skills related to technology or using technology that they can use in their adult education class or program. And all OTAN online or face-to-face workshops can be tailored to fit the needs of the requesting program. Select the links to see a list of the current online or face-to-face workshops and descriptions. If you don't see a workshop that is exactly what you need, contact OTAN - we'll work together to create a training that's best for you and your staff!
Need more information? Contact OTAN training staff anytime by phone at (916) 228-2580, or by email at support@otan.us.
To view workshops already scheduled, visit the California Adult Education Professional Development Calendar and search for workshops sponsored by OTAN. Don't miss out!