Blog
The Digital Backpack
Your resource for online learning
Your trusted source for K-12 online learning insights, teaching strategies, and success stories from Michigan’s leading virtual education provider. Join us as we explore innovative approaches to help students thrive in the digital age.
Communication & Engagement in the Online Classroom
Most teachers would agree that communication and engagement are key factors for student success in any classroom. In the online classroom, however, these variables play out a little differently than they might in a face-to-face setting. In this article, we break down what communication looks like in an online course, who is responsible for student engagement, and, finally, how communication and engagement interact in practice.
January & February Research Round Up
What’s new in the world of K-12 research on online, blended, and innovative learning? This month, we take a look at learning to teach mathematics online, coaching instructional coaches, the value of project-based learning and high-level knowledge activities, and a framework for affective, behavioral, and cognitive engagement in online courses.
Digital Learning Day: Ways to Support Successful Online Learning
Michigan Virtual
On Digital Learning Day, what can be done to improve online instruction? In this article, we share suggestions for researchers and practitioners from EDC's Erin Stafford and Jacqueline Zweig.
What if Michigan Had eLearning Days?
With eLearning, students can learn from home when extenuating circumstances (such as snow storms) prevent them from being able to attend their brick-and-mortar schools. Many states in the U.S. have eLearning policies, but Michigan's not one of them. Why is that and what would it look like if we did have eLearning days?
Using Autocrat to showcase student work
As a teacher, it's great to showcase student work, but it can be time-consuming to compile and share these accolades with parents. In this article, we walk through how teachers can use the Google add-on Autocrat to showcase student work in an efficient way.
Using Google Forms to innovate your assessment practices
Google Forms is not a new tool. It’s been around for quite some time; however, a number of recent updates have made this tool one you will want to use in your classroom. In this article, we will walk you through some innovative ways to use Google Form for student surveys, quizzes, and assessments.
Using image annotation tools to bring assignments to life
Looking for ways to make your classroom resources more interactive? In this article, we share two free image annotation tools that teachers can use to bring assignments to life in their classroom.
Online Student Success Triangle — Students, Mentors, & Parents
A healthy support system for online students involves interrelationships between students, mentors, and parents. In this article, we take a look at how students, mentors, and parents can all work together to help students thrive in the online environment.
December Research Round Up
Michigan Virtual
Each month our team of researchers highlights K-12 online, blended, and innovative learning research, reports, standards, and other noteworthy resources published nationally and internationally in the preceding weeks. Our hope with this series is to inform the educational community of the latest digital learning research in order to better serve students.
Why Mentors Matter: A Conversation with Jered Borup
Michigan Virtual
Why are on-site mentors so important for online students? In this article, Jered Borup, a digital learning researcher and professor at George Mason University dives into research that supports the critical role that mentors play in highly successful online learning programs.
The Hidden Heroes of Successful Online Courses
Michigan Virtual
Last month, our team discussed key systemic program supports for K-12 online learning based on the National Standards for Quality Online Programs released by Quality Matters (QM) and the Virtual Learn
Many Notable People Among Homeschool Success Stories
Michigan Virtual
With the flexibility and discipline required by homeschooling, it’s no wonder that so many homeschoolers have gone on to amazing careers. Homeschool success stories run the range from top Harvard grads and elite athletes to actors, musicians, and more. In this article, we showcase both historical and recent famous figures who got their start through homeschooling.
4 Easy Steps to Prepare Homeschoolers for eLearning Success
Michigan Virtual
You’ve done your homework on eLearning and are ready to power up the computer for your first online course. What comes next? What can you do to best prepare for educational success? Just like back-to-school checklists, an online school has its own set of to-dos. Here are 4 steps to get you started.
4 Tips for Supporting Your Homeschool Student with Online Classes
Michigan Virtual
Homeschool parents, especially those who have never taken an online class themselves, may feel a little unsure about how to support their child who has chosen to take an online course. As a parent, you'll naturally have questions about how to best help your child succeed in their online homeschool program. Here are 4 tips to help you get started.
Important Questions to Ask Your Online Homeschool Program Provider
Michigan Virtual
Are you considering supplementing your homeschooler's education with an online program? Unsure of what to look for in a quality program? Look no further. We've compiled a list of questions for you to ask an online provider before choosing what's best for your child.
Is an Online Program Right for Your Michigan Homeschooler?
Michigan Virtual
As a parent, you want the very best for your child. That’s especially true when it comes to education and the tools you select as part of a homeschool curriculum. How do you know if an online program is right for your homeschooler? In this article, we offer a few tips to help you decide.
Podcast: Engaging with STEM and the Community
In this episode, we’re joined by Spencer Kiper, a STEM educator and the 2019 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year. We focus our conversation on STEM education, the opportunities that have come along w
An Inside Look: Student-Centered Learning at Alpena Public Schools
In a previous blog post, we defined student-centered learning in a theoretical sense. In this blog post, we get a glimpse into what a student-centered classroom looks and feels like in practice. Alpena Public Schools high school English teacher Kris Copping shares how she works in partnership with her students to create a student-centered learning environment.
How Do Online Homeschool Programs Work in Michigan?
Michigan Virtual
Wondering how online homeschool programs work in Michigan? While plenty of information resides on the internet, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through the facts, myths, and plethora of opinions on the topic. In this article, we offer some useful tips to help homeschool parents select the right online program for their children.
Top 5 Challenges of eLearning & How Michigan Homeschoolers Can Overcome Them
Michigan Virtual
Just like any learning process, the addition of online courses to a homeschool curriculum can present several challenges. In this article, we go over some of the top challenges presented by online classes and helpful tips for tackling them head-on.
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