AGENDA

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks from the Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL)

• Federico Salas-Isnardi, MOAL Director

9:10 AM - 9:40 AM Digital Literacy as 21st Century Currency

• Misha McClure, Comcast External Affairs Director Dr. Tracy Weeden, CEO Neuhaus Ed Center Lauren Arcudi, MS Customer Svc Acct Mgr AE Director Community Action, Inc

In an era characterized by the rapid evolution of technology, the concept of digital literacy has emerged as the cornerstone of success and empowerment in the 21st century. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and dependent on digital technologies, the ability to navigate, comprehend, and leverage these tools has become a valuable form of currency. This panel discussion aims to unravel the multifaceted dimensions of digital literacy and explore its pivotal role in shaping our present and future. View Less

9:40 AM - 10:00 AM HTX AEL Success Stories: Impact of Digital Literacy Support on Providers

• Jacqueline Aguilera, Project Manager Banke Awoptu, MOAL Social Media Specialist Ana Frade, MOAL Digital Equity Project Coordinator

This video spotlights some of the providers and their learners who helped MOAL activate Blueprint Goal 5 "Digital Resources and Skills" in Houston through the Bridge Digital Academy (2022) and the Digital Equity Project (2023). Current outcomes and current impact will be briefly shared by the MOAL team. 

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Break Out A: Introduction to Digital Access & Resilience in Texas Curriculum

• Dr. Glenda Rose, AE Director Community Action, Inc

Digital literacy is a necessary skill for everything these days: banking, medical, education, and most jobs require some digital literacy – even if it’s just putting in your time to get paid! Adding digital literacy to English literacy in beginning ESL can seem daunting, but it is easier than you think. This session will provide strategies for integrating digital literacy skills and resilience activities into beginning literacy ESL classes. Learn about the Digital Access and Resilience in Texas curriculum and how to use it to help your adult English language learners improve their digital literacy skills and resilience.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Break Out B: Copyright, Creative Commons, and OER are your Friends!

• AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders, TCALL PD Specialist

This session will provide a brief overview of Copyright and Creative Commons as they relate to Open Educational Resources (OERs). Participants will go away with a better understanding of Creative Commons and the power of licensing materials in a way that clearly shows how those assets can be used. They will also get an introduction to the basics of OERs, what they are, how they can be found, and how to attribute these resources. Please plan to bring a mobile device, computer, or tablet! Finally, participants will receive a short list of OER digital resources to use immediately.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Break Out C: Using Social Media for Program Promotion & Recruitment

• Banke Awopetu, MOAL Social Media Specialist

This session will begin by outlining the distinctions between the five most popular social media platforms for the targeted adult literacy audiences of learners, instructors and donors (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X formerly Twitter, and TikTok.) Next, participants will review the basic components of posts, stories, and reshares and practice creating quick and captivating content. Finally, participants will be able to create a dynamic post within five minutes and remix it for each of the five major social media platforms. Apps will be used in this session.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Break Out D: Digital Upskilling for Adult Literacy Learners (Microsoft)

• Lauren Arcudi, MS Customer Svc Acct Mgr Willie Williams, MS

This session provides an introduction to the Microsoft digital upskilling program and includes exploring the role of technology in adult literacy education. Essential Digital Skills for Adult Literacy, Microsoft Certifications and Upskilling Opportunities essential for tech jobs, and Upskilling Applications for tech driven career opportunities are key topics in this unique training especially designed for Houston's adult literacy providers led by local Microsoft team members.

11:00 AM - 11:05 AM BREAK 11:05 AM - 12:05 PM Break Out E: Introduction to Digital Access & Resilience in Texas Curriculum

• Dr. Glenda Rose, AE Director Community Action, Inc

Digital literacy is a necessary skill for everything these days: banking, medical, education, and most jobs require some digital literacy – even if it’s just putting in your time to get paid! Adding digital literacy to English literacy in beginning ESL can seem daunting, but it is easier than you think. This session will provide strategies for integrating digital literacy skills and resilience activities into beginning literacy ESL classes. Learn about the Digital Access and Resilience in Texas curriculum and how to use it to help your adult English language learners improve their digital literacy skills and resilience.

11:05 AM - 12:05 PM Break Out F: Copyright and OER Commons Are Your Friends!

• AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders, TCALL PD Specialist

This session will provide a brief overview of Copyright and Creative Commons as they relate to Open Educational Resources (OERs). Participants will go away with a better understanding of Creative Commons and the power of licensing materials in a way that clearly shows how those assets can be used. They will also get an introduction to the basics of OERs, what they are, how they can be found, and how to attribute these resources. Please plan to bring a mobile device, computer, or tablet! Finally, participants will receive a short list of OER digital resources to use immediately.

11:05 AM - 12:05 PM Break Out G: Using Social Media for Program Promotion & Recruitment

• Banke Awopetu, MOAL Social Media Specialist

This session will begin by outlining the distinctions between the five most popular social media platforms for the targeted adult literacy audiences of learners, instructors and donors (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X formerly Twitter, and TikTok.) Next, participants will review the basic components of posts, stories, and reshares and practice creating quick and captivating content. Finally, participants will be able to create a dynamic post within five minutes and remix it for each of the five major social media platforms. Apps will be used in this session.

11:05 AM - 12:05 PM Break Out H: Next Level Resources for Next Level DigLit Instruction

• Jacqueline Aguilera, MOAL Project Manager Dr Nirmalesh Sampath Kumar, ISOTONIK Jennifer King, zSpace Sr. Regional Director

You've incorporated all the computer basics resources and the foundations of digital literacy are now in place. Where do you go from here? This session explores resources and software programs that offer instructors opportunities to advance their skillsets and prepare learners for optimized training and workforce entry experiences.

12:05 PM - 12:10 PM Lunch Pick Up COMCAST

• MOAL humbly thanks Comcast for generously sponsoring lunch for our closing session of the day.

12:10 PM - 12:20 PM Special Presentation from the Office of Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia

12:25 PM - 1:15 PM Closing Session: AI Driven Solutions for the Literacy Challenge

1:15 PM - 1:25 PM HTX Digital Literacy 2024 & MOAL

• Federico Salas-Isnardi, MOAL Director

What is the future of digital literacy in Houston with MOAL? How will adult literacy providers and all stakeholders in the literacy ecosystem benefit? 

MOAL's director will share emerging projects and the vision for digital literacy as we move forward in a new year and prepare for next year's symposium.

1:25 PM - 1:30 PM Close Out: Surveys & Networking