Virtual Training Institute ( VTI ) 7.0

Successful VTI 7.0 brings together over 1,000 Maryland adult educators for professional development

Maryland Department of Labor's (MD Labor) Office of Adult Education and Literacy Services (AELS) would like to thank everyone who participated in or contributed to the 7th Virtual Training Institute (VTI). VTI 7.0 ran for four days from Monday, February 13th, through Thursday, February 16th. During that time, VTI showcased 21 webinar sessions from close to 30 thought leaders in adult education from Maryland and around the world. In total, VTI 7.0 boasted 1,150 participants across the four day span.

The Office of Adult Education and Literacy Services recognizes the dedication of program leadership and staff, including Jessie Thompson, Beth Johnson, and Rhonda Davis at Harford Community College for presenting on "Rubrics," and Joseph Ploskonka from Harford Community College for his presentation titled, "How to Use Prime Numbers to Solve Fraction Problems." Thank you to Debra Golden from Howard County Library System for discussing “Time Management: Productivity vs Activity” and “The Psychology of Teaching Adult ESL Students” and Marquita Johl from the Literacy Council of Montgomery County for her contributions to “Dynamic Digital Literacy: Using Google Apps for ESL & ABE Classrooms.” Morgan Williams from Prince George’s Community College conveyed that “Personal Growth Leads to Student Growth”; Jeanie Moon from Montgomery College took us on a journey to “It's Your Students' Turn: Let Them Talk about How They Solved the Math Problem,” and Raquel Francis from Montgomery College addressed “Show What You Know: Engaging PowerPoint Activities for Remote Classrooms.” Also recognized include, from MD Labor, Joana Winningham for her presentations titled, "Skilled Immigrant Workforce Challenges and Innovative Solutions for Integration" and "Language Access: It is Essential," Laura Ostrowski for exploring “Making Technological Footprints: Overview & Applications of the Digital Literacy Framework Learning Modules,” and Ramona Kunkel for her work, "What Happens After You Provide Professional Development?" Finally, many thanks to panelists, Patricia Meszaros from the College of Southern Maryland, Toya Ramirez from Anne Arundel Community College, Rosa Pino-Cruz from Chesapeake College, Rita Foley from Wor-Wic Community College, Jovita Vas from Howard County Library System, including Laura Ostrowski as moderator, for their amazing contributions to the discussion, "NEDP® 360: A Cross-Disciplinary Roundtable Discussion of NEDP® by Maryland Adult Education Professionals."

Participation from programs and instructors as presenters, panelists, and attendees, demonstrates their commitment to support fellow educators and to provide information to contribute to the complexion and experience of adult learners in Maryland. Thank you to programs who encourage each other to share feedback to grow this effort. And, thank you to those who attended and who provided excellent feedback as gifts to us and to presenters and panelists to improve our efforts and continue to yield ever more engaging content, year after year.