On Friday, May 8, the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy will hold “ConnectED,” the 27th Annual Technology and Adult Education Conference at Temple University’s Tuttleman Learning Center.

The Mayor’s Commission on Literacy, which serves adult, out-of-school Philadelphians, age 16 and up, whose literacy skills as defined above are too low to pass employment or college entrance tests, has worked to equip all adults in Philadelphia with the education they need for work, family, and civic engagement since 1983.

Connected learning is an approach to teaching and learning that promotes the use of technology to connect adult learners to peers, interests, academic and workforce opportunities. The ConnectED event will explore trends and opportunities for facilitating connected learning in adult education around the following themes:

• Applications, software and devices for facilitating and promoting adult learning: mobile technology, open-source learning management systems, MOOCs, online learning, video-conferencing, learning in the cloud, etc.
• Strategies for using technology for instruction: GED® 2014 computer skills, teaching computer skills for successful transition to college and careers, using technology for ESL instruction, using social media, tutoring using technology, career pathways, etc.
• Technology for programming and staff development: online staff development opportunities, using data to inform programming, etc.
• Technology for working with special populations: learners in correctional settings, returning citizens, emergent learners, learners with learning disabilities, strategies for bridging the digital divide, etc.

Registration, which is free, will be open until May 7.

Image via Kait Privitera for the City of Philadelphia