Technology advancements play an important role in education, empowering teachers to help their students learn in creative new ways. Technology is especially important for adult education, which provides lifelong learning opportunities to develop essential skills, earn certifications and diplomas, and enhance career prospects. It provides flexible, accessible learning opportunities that accommodate the diverse schedules and learning needs of adult students.
Outstanding State Innovation of the Year
The Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) is one of several adult education programs across the country that received recognition last week from the national Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). At the COABE conference in Dallas, TX, on April 3, OTAN accepted the “Outstanding State Innovation of the Year” award and a $2,000 grant, celebrating its dedication to advancing adult education through innovative technology integration and leadership development.
Operated by the Adult Education Department at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), OTAN provides technology support for adult education. Founded in 1989, the California program supports adult education teachers in effectively leveraging technology. Funding comes from the Adult Education Office at the California Department of Education (CDE).
OTAN won the national award for its Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC), which offers an innovative suite of services to assist adult education agencies across California. “This award celebrates our team’s dedication and its impact on adult education in California,” said OTAN Coordinator Neda Anasseri. “Adult education is about supporting the whole learner. When we prepare adults to use technology confidently, we’re not just opening doors for their personal and professional growth; we’re empowering them to support learning at all levels. A digitally literate adult can better navigate resources, advocate for their family, and stay actively engaged in their children’s education. The ripple effect of our work benefits entire communities.”
The COABE awards were sponsored by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and Essential Education. The funds awarded to OTAN will be used to help offset the cost of the subject matter experts who conduct training across the state.
About the SCOE Adult Education Department
The Sacramento County Office of Education Adult Education Department provides technical assistance, professional development, coordinated communication services, and capacity building to adult education agencies throughout California with the goal of helping adult learners succeed—in their post-secondary education, career, and community. The department leads three major initiatives:
- California Adult Education Program (CAEP)—develops capacity and serves 71 CAEP consortia through innovative and responsive leadership
- Capital Adult Education Regional Consortium (CAERC)—provides technical support to CAEP members in the four-county CAERC consortium (10 districts, two county offices of education, and one community college district)
- Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN)—leads the adult education field in the support for and application of technology