BREAKOUT #1
LOCATION: DENTON CREEK
Distance learning can expand access—but how do you make it work on a budget? Explore low-cost tools, smart platform choices, and practical ways to motivate and support self-paced adult learners.
About This Session
Description
Distance learning opens doors—but making it effective with limited resources can be a challenge. This session explores practical, low-cost approaches to building distance learning opportunities for adult literacy programs.
Learn how to identify the right mix of free and affordable platforms, decide between pre-packaged solutions and creating your own content, and design programs that learners will actually use. Tailored for volunteer-driven and non-funded organizations, this session focuses on realistic strategies to expand access, increase flexibility, and meet learners where they are—without overwhelming your staff or budget.
What we'll cover:
This session will walk through key decisions and strategies for launching or improving distance learning in adult literacy programs. We’ll start by exploring how to evaluate and select free or low-cost platforms, including what to look for in usability, accessibility, content quality, and learner support features.
We’ll compare pre-packaged programs with “build-your-own” approaches, helping you determine when it makes sense to use ready-made tools and when customization better serves your learners. We will review how to align platform choices with your program goals, learner needs, and available staffing.
We’ll also focus on one of the biggest challenges in distance learning: keeping learners engaged. You’ll gain practical strategies for encouraging participation, building accountability, and creating simple structures that help learners stay on track in an online environment.
Finally, we’ll discuss how to support learners remotely in a way that builds confidence and persistence.
Designed for organizations with limited funding, this session emphasizes flexible, scalable solutions you can implement right away to expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Topics & Focus
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Assigned by TCALL
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Find definitions of topic areas, audiences, levels, and PD categories by clicking on any icon, or see them all on this page.
A note from the presenters:
Please bring your own device if possible.
Handouts & Materials
No handouts or materials available at this time.
“Name of Session” – session presentation slides (PDF)
Name of Document – lesson sample (PDF)
Name of Document (PDF)
Name of Document – infographic (JPG)
Presenters
Dr. Glenda L. Rose
Director
TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning)
Visit TCALL in the conference Exhibitor Area!
Glenda L. Rose, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized leader in adult education and literacy with nearly four decades of experience spanning instruction, program leadership, research, and professional development. As Managing Director of the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL) at Texas A&M University, she leads statewide initiatives that support innovation, quality, and impact across adult education programs.
Dr. Rose is an engaging and sought-after presenter known for translating research into practical strategies educators can use immediately. Her areas of expertise include program management, digital literacy and resilience, instructional planning for different modalities (online, hybrid, and face-to-face), distance learning, career pathways, and teaching multilingual adult learners. She has delivered hundreds of workshops, conference sessions, and keynotes at state, national, and international venues, including COABE, TESOL, and SXSW EDU.
A published author and experienced consultant, Dr. Rose brings deep expertise in program development, technology integration, and workforce-focused education. She partners with organizations to design engaging learning experiences that improve outcomes for adult learners and the educators who serve them.
Rina Alcala
PD Portal Manager
TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning)
Visit TCALL in the conference Exhibitor Area!
Rina Alcala is the PD Portal Manager for the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL).
In this role, she manages the Professional Development Portal, supporting adult education and literacy professionals across Texas by helping ensure access to quality training resources and professional development opportunities.
Breakout26 – ROSE
Page checked or updated: 6/10/2026
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