Empowering Adult Learners: Connecting GenAI + ISTE Standards + Transformational Learning Principles

Outline

A digital note catcher will be provided to engage learners to follow along in an interactive format.

Several AI models will be integrated into the presentations for participants to try - whether this ends up being an Innovator or Interactive format.

1. Welcome & Session Overview (5 minutes)
Introductions and icebreaker

Poll:
“Where do you fall on the EMP spectrum?”
"What do you know about the TLPs"
"What challenges have you faced with different levels of learners and building capacity with GenAI models"

Session goals and outcomes
Brief overview of the EMP Model (Emerging, Mentee, Peer)

2. Understanding Adult Learners & the EMP Model (15 minutes)
Characteristics of adult learners across generations

Introduction to the EMP Model:
Emerging
Mentee
Peer

Aligning adult learner stages with the Transformational Learning Principles:
Nurture
Guide
Empower

Connecting to ISTE Educator Standards in Action
Review ISTE Standards for Educators
How the standards support adult learning at each EMP stage
Interactive activity: Match standards to EMP learner types to indicators of ISTE Educator Standards

3. Generative AI Tools for Adult Learning (20 minutes)
Identify the TLP, the ISTE Educator Standard, adult learning principle, and AI model

For each TLP (Nurture, Guide, Empower), showcase 2–3 examples of how the ISTE E indicators and AI models can interconnect to support adult learners like this one:

TLP: Guide
ISTE-E Facilitator
2.6.d Model and Nurture Creativity
Student Engagement
Create new and/or update existing presentations
Gamma - generates visually engaging presentations and websites
Canva Magic Studio - transforms images, text, and designs

4. Strategy Design: Applying the EMP Model (15 minutes)
Participants use a planning template to design a professional learning experience
Focus on aligning AI tools, ISTE Standards, and TLPs to EMP learner stages
Optional share-out or peer feedback

5. Reflection & Next Steps (5 minutes)
Reflect on how the session addressed TLPs, ISTE-E, and EMPs
Discuss how to evaluate impact and adapt strategies
Share resources and invite continued collaboration

Outcomes

1. Understand the EMP Model for integrating ISTE Educator Standards, Transformational Learning Principles, and generative AI.
2. Identify adult learner needs across generations, from Zoomers to Boomers.
3. Apply the ISTE Educator Standards through an adult learning lens.
4. Explore AI tools that support professional learning and instructional coaching.
5. Design inclusive, tech-integrated professional learning using adult learning frameworks.
6. Develop strategies to nurture, guide, and empower adult learners using the TLPs.
7. Gain a toolbox of practical AI applications for immediate use in coaching and training.
8. Reflect on professional learning impact and plan for continuous improvement.

Supporting research

Boutelier, S., Craig, M., & Parker, J. (2025). Contemporary andragogy: Modern adult learners: The Teaching Professor.

Boutelier, S., Craig, M., & Parker, J. (September 11, 2025). Four C’s for Emerging Adult Learners (Zoomers) in AI Learning Spaces. Thought Leadership. Online Learning Consortium.

Bowman, M. A., Vongkulluksn, V. W., Jiang, Z., & Xie, K. (2022). Teachers’ exposure to professional development and the quality of their instructional technology use: The mediating role of teachers’ value and ability beliefs. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 54(2), 188-204.

Henschke, J. A. (1988). A comparison of three transfer of training strategies in inservice adult teacher training [Doctoral dissertation, University of Missouri-St. Louis]. IACE Hall of Fame Repository.

Hicks, T., Parker, J., & Grunow, K. (2023). Making the Move with Ed Tech: Ten Strategies to Scale Up Your In-Person, Hybrid, and Remote Learning. Solution Tree

Hooker, C. (2024). Learning evolution. The new era of AI in the classroom. HookerTech, LLC.

Huston, T., Weaver, C.L. (2008). Peer coaching: Professional development for experienced faculty. Innov High Educ 33, 5–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-007-9061-9

ISTE-E (2017). ISTE educator standards. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). https://iste.org/standards/educators

ISTE +ASCD (2025). Transformational Learning Principles. https://iste.ascd.org/transformational-learning-principles

Knowles, M. S. (1975). Self–directed learning: A guide for learners and teachers. Follett. https://doi.org/10.1177/105960117700200220

Knowles, M.S. and Associates. (1984). Andragogy in action: Applying modern principles of adult learning. Jossey-Bass.

Knowles, M. S. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy. Cambridge.

Knowles, M. S. (1990). The adult learner: A neglected species, fourth edition. Gulf Publishing Company. (Original work published 1973).

Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., III, Robinson, P.A. & Caraccioli, C.. (2025). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development (10th ed.).

Vredevoogd, I., & Boutelier, S. (2023). Co-learning with AI in the ELA classroom. In C. Moran (Ed.) Revolutionizing English Education: AI in the Classroom. Rowman & Littlefield