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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.
Understanding What Motivates High School Students to Pursue Computer Science
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
As computer science (CS) continues to grow in importance in K-12 education, understanding what motivates students to pursue this field is becoming increasingly vital. In a study, Dr. Aman Yadav from M
Evaluating and Maximizing Professional Learning: An Interview with a Researcher
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
This blog digs into the key findings from two MVLRI research studies exploring educator engagement with professional learning (PL), their beliefs about implementing what they’ve learned, and insights into continuing to tailor PL to meet educators’ needs.
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
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
In an era where virtual learning is becoming increasingly prevalent, understanding the best practices for engaging students online is crucial. Researchers at the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Ins
Solving the Pacing Puzzle: Course Design and Technical Considerations for Pacing in K-12 Online Learning
Kelly Cuccolo, PhD
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.
A Structured Approach to AI Integration: A Roadmap for the 24-25 School Year
Justin Bruno
Integrating AI into education for the 24-25 school year requires a strategic and well-structured approach. Michigan Virtual’s AI Integration Framework provides a roadmap for schools to assess their current capacities, engage stakeholders, develop policies, explore tools, and continuously refine their strategies to effectively harness AI's potential in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes.
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.
The Power of Pitching in EdTech
Michigan Virtual
Explore key strategies and resources to refine your approach in EdTech entrepreneurship and discover how to navigate the landscape of innovation and drive transformative change in teaching and learning.
Out of Order, Out of Reach: An Interview with a Researcher
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, online learning has become increasingly prevalent, offering students flexibility and accessibility to course materials. Recent research has delved into the
Solving the Pacing Puzzle: What We Know About the Importance of Student Pacing in Online Courses
Kelly Cuccolo, PhD
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.
Faster vs Better: Finding the Best Opportunities for AI in Education
Justin Bruno
Move beyond efficiency and take an intentional approach to adopting generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
Essentialism in the Age of GenAI
Ken Dirkin
The rise of GenAI, while offering immense potential for innovation and efficiency, also brings with it significant environmental costs.
Highlights from the 2023 AI Summit
Justin Bruno
The 2023 AI Summit at Michigan State University explored the impact of AI on education, featuring presentations urging innovative thinking, emphasizing learner-centered design, and discussing personalization with AI. Attendees expressed optimism for positive change in education practices, recognizing the urgency to adapt to rapid technological advancements.
AI, Learning, and Performance
Justin Bruno
Unveiling the impact of AI in education, proponents tout personalized learning, while critics caution against possible dependencies.
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
Kelly Cuccolo, PhD
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.
Supporting Schools: Maintaining an AI Tools toolkit for educators
Justin Bruno
Michigan Virtual's AI Resource Bank offers a curated compilation of websites, articles, podcasts, and tools. Engage with this evolving repository, explore emerging trends, and contribute to the conversation by sharing your own valuable resources for consideration.
Street Data and Empathy: Revealing What Educators Truly Want from Professional Learning
Anne Perez
What do educators actually WANT out of their professional learning experiences? This is a question my colleague Danielle, who contributed significantly to this study and the writing of these blogs, an
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