NOVI, Mich. – More than 500 educators from across Michigan gathered in Novi on October 15 for the 3rd Annual AI Summit to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to transform K-12 education. The day-long Summit, organized by Michigan Virtual, provided teachers, administrators, and technology leaders with an opportunity to delve into the newest emerging possibilities and challenges that AI is bringing to classrooms statewide.
The Summit's sessions explored key topics, including AI-powered teaching tools, ethical considerations, personalized learning, and the integration of AI into instructional strategies and leadership practices. With hands-on workshops and interactive discussions, participants gained practical insights into how AI can enhance student engagement, streamline educators' workflows, and foster inclusive learning environments tailored to individual student needs.
Keynote speakers Winston Roberts, a national AI leader, and Nathan Labenz, co-host of The Cognitive Revolution podcast with Michigan Virtual’s AI experts, guided attendees through timely conversations on how AI can be applied responsibly to support student success, reduce teacher workload, and foster engagement in classrooms.
“Michigan Virtual's AI Summit is a strong platform for collaboration, networking, sharing resources, learning new tools, and establishing forward-thinking strategies in the world of AI in K-12 education,” said Ken Dirkin, Senior Director of Michigan Virtual’s Learning Research Institute (MVLRI) and the Michigan Virtual AI Lab. “By empowering educators with a vision for AI integration, this 3rd annual event has laid a foundation for Michigan's schools to continue leading the way in harnessing the potential of AI to benefit students and teachers alike.”
Sessions and speakers at the AI Summit focused on several themes:
- Classroom integration: Hands-on sessions demonstrated how AI can assist teachers in personalizing instruction, creating engaging learning experiences, and streamlining feedback.
- AI literacy: Educators explored strategies to build students’ understanding of AI systems and prepare them for a technology-driven future.
- Ethics and equity: Break-outs addressed issues of trust, data privacy, and responsible use, with a focus on keeping human relationships at the center.
- Leadership and scaling: District leaders shared strategies for building AI-ready schools, from policy design to sustainable implementation across grades.
- Special populations: Workshops explored how AI tools can enhance inclusive education and support individualized learning needs.
- Assessment and academic integrity: Educators examined ways to rethink assessments to encourage authentic learning in the age of AI.
Participants left the summit with concrete tools, including Michigan Virtual’s AI Integration Framework, free AI Literacy resources for students and teachers, and a recently released Student Guide to AI to support thoughtful implementation in schools and districts.
"This Summit showcased the incredible opportunities AI offers for creating more engaging, equitable, and innovative learning environments," said Karle Delo, AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual. "We’re at a pivotal moment in education, and Michigan's educators are stepping up to ensure AI is used to enhance student learning while maintaining ethical and thoughtful practices."
For more information about Michigan Virtual’s work around AI in education, visit www.michiganvirtual.org/AI.
About Michigan Virtual
Michigan Virtual is a nonprofit educational organization that is leading and collaborating to build learning environments for tomorrow. Driven by student success, we have a strong record of supporting Michigan education that spans more than two decades. While many know us for our research-based, quality online learning options for students and professional development for educators, we also do a great deal of work behind the scenes to conduct original research, test innovations in learning, and provide consulting partnerships to promote effective practices.
Education is changing faster than ever. To learn about new models and resources to move learning forward at michiganvirtual.org. For recent news and press releases, visit michiganvirtual.org/news.