Digital Learning Institute

This FREE professional development event will support adult education staff and volunteers in building awareness and expertise around distance and digital learning. The DL Institute is for everyone - teachers, volunteers, administrators, support staff - and will include sessions for participants at all levels of technical skill and confidence.

Topics will include:

• Starting, sustaining, and growing your distance learning programming.
• Distance learning platforms.
• Digital literacy and resilience.
• Technology tools and routines.
• Networking and building community among digital literacy practitioners.
• Distance & Blended Learning Basics for Minnesota Adult Education - Participants who attend all four sessions can fulfill this training requirement for staff involved with distance learning.

Additional information:

• After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from “MNABE Staff” with a link to join the opening session. Links to subsequent sessions will be provided in a flyer, which will be shared closer to the event.
• To request accommodations (ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact the DL helpdesk.
• Most sessions will be recorded and shared on the MN ABE PD YouTube channel.

Wondering what you can expect to see and learn at the conference? Here are some of our sessions and presenters:

Distance & Blended Learning Basics
MN Statewide Digital Learning Team
Want to complete the Distance & Blended Learning Basics training requirement without having to complete the Canvas course? Attend all four sessions of this strand to fulfill the training requirement in one day!

Teacher Orientation to Ellii and Ellii Solo
Christine Irvine, Ellii
This session will support teachers getting started using Ellii Classroom and Ellii Solo with their learners. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the similarities and differences between these two sides of the platform, as well as some tips and tricks for supporting learners with distance learning outside of class time. (Note: This session will not cover the same content as the statewide asynchronous training that is required for staff to receive an account on the state-supported plan.)

Ellii in Action (Panel)
Azul Kmiecik (Literacy Minnesota), Ifeng Hsu (Literacy Minnesota), Laura Moyer (Metro North)
You’ve asked, and we listened! Join this highly requested teacher panel as educators share how they are using Ellii, the new state-supported distance learning platform, in their own classrooms. Come discover how Ellii can support you and your students! (Q&A included: Bring your questions!)

Canva 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Graphic Design Tools
Katey Miller, Literacy Minnesota
Say goodbye to boring slides, plain worksheets, and uninspired flyers! In this session, we’ll dive into Canva, the free and easy-to-use graphic design tool that can help you transform your classroom or program materials without being a master of graphic design! Whether you’re brand new to Canva, feeling overwhelmed by all of its options, or just curious about where to start, join us to discover just how easy (and fun) design can be!

Integrating Digital Literacy and resilience in the ESL Classroom
Dr. Glenda Rose,Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
In today’s increasingly digital world, English Language Learners (ELLs) face unique challenges—and opportunities—in developing the skills needed to thrive. This interactive session explores the concepts of digital literacy and digital resilience, offering practical strategies for integrating technology into ESL instruction. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, discover tools like the DART curriculum, and learn how to scaffold digital skills in emotionally safe environments.

Effective Use of AI and Reducing AI Waste
Rachel Riggs, World Education
In this session, you’ll learn some teacher friendly tips to reduce AI waste based on priorities of the waste management hierarchy: prevent, reduce, reuse, and recycle!