OTAN Digest October 2026

Meet Alonda Schock

“I am a good example of the saying ‘It’s never too late to be what you might have been!”

A 2023 California Adult Education Students Succeed Nominee

After returning to complete her high school diploma 34 years after her original graduation date, Alonda Schock didn't stop there. Guided by mentors and drawn to the DARTE program at San Joaquin Delta College, she enrolled to further her education and career opportunities. Today, Alonda is not only earning degrees in General Education, Psychology, and certificates in Substance Abuse Counseling, but she also served as the DARTE program's very first intern. See an excerpt from her story here and below:
“I will be the first to graduate college in my family which is an important detail because I was the kid that was not going to amount to anything. But here I am crushing it and excitedly looking towards a bright future! My hope in telling my story is to encourage each one of you to be bold and take a chance on yourselves and go for what your heart desires!”

Quizizz is now WayGround

Wayground is a versatile learning platform designed to fit non-traditional schedules. With features tailored for mature learners, teachers can use Wayground to boost engagement, streamline prep work, and deliver accessible, effective instruction.

• Test Practice: Simulates real exam environments for GED, HiSET, and professional certifications with new question formats like match table grids and auto-graded assessments.
• Flexible Learning Modes: Supports asynchronous, self-paced modules, flashcards, and interactive slides that students can complete anywhere, fitting seamlessly around work and family commitments.
• Built-in Accessibility Supports: Includes 25+ integrated tools, such as text-to-speech, translation, read-aloud features, and dyslexia-friendly fonts, to support ESL learners and diverse learning needs automatically.
• Amplified with AI: Material can be differentiated qucikly, and teachers can generate standards-aligned questions, enhance existing materials, and analyze student responses.

Hear what Dr. Matt Rhoads has to say about how Canvas fit into digital systems.

Dr. Matt Rhoads
EdTech Trainer and Integrationist
Education to Career Network of North San Diego County

What motivated your consortium to build shared digital systems, and what did you put in place to strengthen instruction and access across programs?

From 2021 to 2025, the Education to Career Network of North San Diego County (ETCN) turned policy into practice by building shared digital infrastructure, embedding digital literacy within instruction, and aligning professional learning to classroom goals. Together, these moves strengthened persistence, measurable skill gains, and transitions while aligning with WIOA Title II and California’s Digital Learning Guidance.

• A common LMS with simpler logins. Canvas was adopted consortium wide and paired with single sign on so learners and staff used one login for email, Canvas, and Google Workspace. This improved navigation, created 24/7 access to materials, and smoothed transitions to the community college partner. Shared course shells and consistent workflows also let ETCN’s Tech Trainer run analytics on engagement and assignment completion.
• Digital literacy inside ESL. ESL teams followed the DLG recommendation to integrate digital skills into subject instruction. Using Northstar aligned routines such as email, web search, and document creation, instructors built these practices directly into Canvas modules. Each week included one task, one practice quiz, and one “apply it” prompt tied to language objectives. improved student persistence.
• Coaching and professional learning as the driver. A shared EdTech hub, PLC style workshops, and coaching cycles kept tools focused on teaching goals. Coaches co-planned, modeled, and documented quick wins to reinforce successful practices.

How have these systems and instructional changes shaped classroom practice and student engagement?

Canvas became the foundation for blended learning. Instructors posted short, mobile friendly modules, used discussions and quick quizzes for feedback, and created re-entry points for learners returning after absences. Consistent design, checklists, and feedback tools reduced staff time spent on re-onboarding and improved student persistence.

What changes have you seen for learners and staff, and what advice would you share with others starting similar work?

Between 2021 and 2025, ETCN saw higher persistence, measurable skill gains, especially in CTE, and more transitions to postsecondary programs. Staff reported fewer access barriers, faster feedback cycles, and more time for targeted language support. The improvement came not from adding more technology, but from clear routines, simple access, and feedback rich instruction that adults can manage on a phone after work.