Indicative of the emerging role online learning plays in K-12 education, Public Act 201 of 2012 directed the Michigan Virtual to establish the Center for Online Learning Research and Innovation.
The Center for Online Learning Research and Innovation will serve multiple roles to support Michigan’s students, parents, schools, K-12 and postsecondary educators and state and local policymakers. Housed at Michigan Virtual and headquartered in Lansing, the Center will draw upon recognized state and national leaders from K-12 schools, higher education and the private industry to provide research, evaluation, and development expertise.
The Center will support and accelerate innovation in education through a variety of activities, including researching technology-based instructional tools and online learning delivery models, designing professional development services for educators, and identifying and sharing best practices for implementing online and blended education delivery models.
“This initiative demonstrates both Michigan's and Michigan Virtual's continued dedication to the online and blended learning field and to supporting an array of quality learning environments for students throughout the state," said Susan Patrick, President & CEO of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning. "The Center will provide a blueprint for others to emulate as they explore the establishment of new models of learning in their own states.” iNACOL is the international K-12 nonprofit association representing the interests of practitioners, providers and students involved in online learning worldwide.
The Center will also provide leadership for online and blended learning in the state through activities such as:
- Producing an annual consumer awareness report for schools and parents about effective online education providers and education delivery models, performance data, cost structures, and research trends;
- Developing and reporting policy recommendations to the governor and the legislature that accelerate the expansion of effective online learning in this state’s schools;
- Providing a clearinghouse for research reports, academic studies, evaluations, and other information related to online learning;
- In collaboration with the department and interested colleges and universities in this state, recommending to the superintendent guidelines and standards for a new teacher endorsement credential related to effective online and blended instruction; and
- Convening focus groups and conduct annual surveys of teachers, administrators, pupils, parents, and others to identify barriers and opportunities related to online learning.