Michigan Virtual at MACUL in Detroit this week: See you there!

Michigan Virtual staff members will be presenting at the 2015 MACUL Conference this week on Thursday and Friday in Room 358. Please visit us at booth 145 and booth 614 in the exhibitor’s hall on both days.

Thursday, March 19 Leading for Blended Learning 10-11 a.m.

Join Michigan Virtual’s MyBlend team for a discussion about what leaders need to consider when implementing effective blended learning strategies. This session will highlight emerging standards for blended instruction, lessons from recent research and state-level policies needed to move Michigan forward. Participants will also learn what blended learning looks like in classrooms throughout the state and what type of supports are available for school leaders as they begin to implement.Presenters: Jamie DeWitt, Senior Blended Learning Specialist; and Jeff Gerlach, Instructional Designer

Mentors: Making Online Learning Work 1-2 p.m.

Come explore the online Mentor Orientation Module and “Mentor Fundamentals: A Guide for Mentoring Online Learners,” prepared by Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute staff with assistance from mentors, instructors, and others from Michigan Virtual School. The comprehensive guide describes mentor roles and responsibilities and includes numerous resources to prepare mentors. The module, created for the novice mentor, is of value to the experienced mentor as well. The new mentor portal will also be introduced.Presenters: Ken Dirkin, Senior Media Integration Specialist; Marcia Docks, Senior Mentor Support Specialist; Rebecca Stimson, Senior Writer

Getting Started: The Online Learning Orientation Tool 2:30-3:30 p.m.

The Online Learning Orientation Tool — OLOT— a self-paced, web-based resource originally designed over a decade ago, is intended to help students understand what online learning entails and introduces the skills and knowledge that are key to success: Knowing What to Expect, Technical Skills You’ll Need, Learning Skills You’ll Need and Managing Day-to-Day. Come review and discuss how OLOT is being used in the field and offer feedback for its continuous improvement.Presenter: Justin Bruno, Research Associate

Michigan's K-12 Virtual Learning Effectiveness Report 2015 4-5 p.m.

The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute at Michigan Virtual recently released its annual report highlighting enrollment totals, completion rates, and the overall impact of virtual courses on K-12 pupils. The author of the report will share this year's key findings and lead a discussion about the implications of the findings for future practice and research.Presenter: Joe Freidhoff, Executive Director of MVLRI

Friday, March 20 What is it like to teach online? 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Michigan Virtual instructors will share essential components of online instruction to ensure student success. Participants will learn what is different and what remains the same between good face-to-face instruction and good online instruction, and the critical aspects needed to ensure that online instruction leads to student success.Presenters: Tamara Bashore-Berg, Executive Director of Educational Programs; Ryan Call, Online Instructor; Lori Coyle, Online Instructor; Kristin Flynn, Director of Curriculum & Instruction; Lisa Rohde, Online Instructor; Andrew Spiece, Online Instructor; William Springer, Online Instructor

Don’t just tell me ... show me 10-11 a.m.

Learn how to quickly and effectively communicate with students, parents, and other stakeholders in learning through the use of screenshots and screencast videos. Screencasting is easy and very effective – teachers can provide detailed student feedback that can be continuously available to all stakeholders, and they can give helpful tutorials that save everyone a lot of confusion and time. Maximize your instructional time and effort! Participants will leave with simple tools and practical insight that allows them to get started screencasting right away.Presenters: Tamara Bashore-Berg, Executive Director of Educational Programs; Kristin Flynn, Director of Curriculum & Instruction; Annette Gleason, Online Instructor; William Springer, Online Instructor

Getting Started: The Online Orientation Tool 11:30-12:30 p.m.

The Online Learning Orientation Tool — OLOT— a self-paced, web-based resource originally designed over a decade ago, is intended to help students understand what online learning entails and introduces the skills and knowledge that are key to success: Knowing What to Expect, Technical Skills You’ll Need, Learning Skills You’ll Need and Managing Day-to-Day. Come review and discuss how OLOT is being used in the field and offer feedback for its continuous improvement.Presenter: Justin Bruno, Research Associate

Mentors: Making Online Learning Work 1-2 p.m.

Come explore the online Mentor Orientation Module and Mentor Fundamentals: A Guide for Mentoring Online Learners, prepared by Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute staff with assistance from mentors, instructors, and others from Michigan Virtual School. The comprehensive guide describes mentor roles and responsibilities and includes numerous resources to prepare mentors. The module, created for the novice mentor, is of value to the experienced mentor as well. The new mentor portal will also be introduced.Presenters: Ken Dirkin, Senior Media Integration Specialist; Marcia Docks, Senior Mentor Support Specialist; Rebecca Stimson, Senior Writer