Category: Online Learning

Just the essentials: What mentors of online students want and need from professional learning

Research indicates that online learners perform better when they have strong onsite mentor support. But mentors need support, too. Drawing on survey responses, this blog examines mentors’ current practices, key challenges, and unmet needs—and what those insights mean for designing more effective professional learning.

Have You Considered AI in Your Classroom? A Khanmigo Pilot Story

Christa Green

In a two-phase pilot across Michigan schools, educators used Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor and teaching assistant, to explore how AI might support teaching and learning. Their reflections surfaced both opportunities and challenges. The big takeaway? AI has potential, but only with intentional support.

Out of Order, Still Out of Reach: Variations in Pacing among World Language Students

Cuccolo & Green’s (2025) report highlighted the relationship between students’ assignment submission patterns and final course scores. Given that pacing has important implications for student performance, knowing what assignment submission patterns look like across schools with varying demographics could help prompt early identification and intervention. As such, this blog explores students’ assignment submission patterns based on school-level demographic information.

Out of Order, Still Out of Reach: An Interview with a Researcher

In this blog, MVLRI researchers synthesize the key findings from two research studies about student assignment submission patterns in Michigan Virtual online courses.

Exploring Literacy Growth and Engagement: An 8-Week Pilot of Shoelace Learning in the Classroom

Kristen DeBruler

Project-Based Learning and Competency-Based Education Work Together at FlexTech: An Interview with an Educator

Christa Green

By blending project-based learning with competency-based education, FlexTech aims to provide a personalized path to graduation, meeting both academic standards and students’ personal growth goals.

Understanding What Motivates High School Students to Pursue Computer Science

From Playtime to Purpose: How Hobbies Can Set Your Child on the Path to Success

Michigan Virtual

Hobbies aren’t just fun—they help kids grow. From building confidence to developing real-world skills, hobbies play a key role in helping children discover who they are and what they care about. In this post, we explore how parents and educators can support hobby-based learning and create space for curiosity, creativity, and long-term success.

Key Strategies for Supporting Disengaged and Struggling Students: An Interview With A Researcher

Solving the Pacing Puzzle: Course Design and Technical Considerations for Pacing in K-12 Online Learning

Pacing is critical to student success in online learning, and supporting effective pacing is a team effort. This blog explores how Michigan Virtual staff leverages technology and course design principles to uplift student learning through proper pacing.

Solving the Pacing Puzzle: Supporting Student Progress in K-12 Online Programs

Christa Green

In online learning, effective course pacing is crucial for student success. This blog explores how Michigan Virtual addresses course pacing challenges and develops effective pacing guides to support student learning.

Out of Order, Out of Reach: An Interview with a Researcher

Solving the Pacing Puzzle: What We Know About the Importance of Student Pacing in Online Courses

One key aspect that significantly influences student success in online courses is pacing, or the way students progress through course material over time. This blog explores the crucial role of pacing and how to provide students with the guidance and structure they need for success.

Charting Teen Passions: A Practical Guide for Guardians and Educators

Michigan Virtual

Teens are still discovering what excites them—and your support matters. This guide offers practical ways to help them explore their interests, build confidence, and stay curious. From everyday observations to thoughtful conversations, learn how to create a learning environment that helps teens grow with purpose.

Using AP Exam Data to Drive Discussions about AP Courses

Michigan Virtual conducted an analysis to understand the factors influencing whether students take AP exams. They found that higher course grades and course subject were associated with exam participation. However, other factors beyond grades also contribute to student achievement. This analysis helps Michigan Virtual reflect on their courses and improve support for AP students.

Creating a Culture of Continuous, Collaborative, and Personalized Professional Learning

Christa Green

Not only is the professional learning happening within Michigan's Grand Ledge Public Schools continuous and collaborative, it is also rooted in their strategic plan, reflective of their beliefs about student learning, and personalized to fit the unique needs of each staff member.

Mapping the Mentorship Landscape: Insights on Mentoring in Different School Settings

This blog is based on a larger report from Michigan Virtual and explores the experiences of mentors working in different school settings. It additionally includes potential options for supporting mentors in their efforts to assist students in their online learning courses.

Overcoming procrastination: Boost student executive function with transparent planning (+ free template!)

Danielle Peck

The transparent planning process offers strategies for combatting procrastination and strengthening students’ executive function. This process not only can improve academic outcomes but also helps instill lifelong skills in students. In this article, I dive into the connection between procrastination and executive function before exploring what transparent planning is and how it can help. I’ll also share a free Google template you can use to practice transparent planning with your students.

Designing for the future with AI: Lessons learned in curriculum development

Michigan Virtual's educators experimented with ChatGPT to generate content for online courses, offering insights into its potential benefits and limitations in areas like content creation, individualized learning, and the 5D course design process.

3 Creative Ways to Celebrate Student Success in the Online Classroom

There is much to celebrate when students do well in their online courses! After all, success in online learning requires excellent time management skills, the ability to learn in a new environment, and so much more. Looking for ways to celebrate student achievements that go beyond the typical “good job” email? Here are three creative tactics you can try!