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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.

The Digital Backpack. Your Resource for Online Learning
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The AI Horizon: Case Studies in Michigan Education’s Transformation (Part 1)

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly shifting the landscape of education, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and novel challenges for K-12 institutions. Across Michigan, a wave of innovation is taking shape as K-12 schools,...

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Mastering Change: Coaching as the Lever for Transformation in Education

Originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of the MASB Leaderboard Magazine. Introduction A few years ago, I came across Master of Change by Brad Stulberg, and it couldn’t have landed at a more fitting...

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Out of Order, Still Out of Reach: An Interview with a Researcher

In this blog, MVLRI researchers synthesize the key findings from two research studies about student assignment submission patterns in Michigan Virtual online courses....
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What If These Iconic Movie Heroes Had a Leadership Coach?

Leadership in movies takes many forms; sometimes loud and inspiring, sometimes subtle and behind the scenes, but it’s always evolving. Now, imagine how some iconic characters’ stories might have changed if they had access to...

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Now What? Bringing It All Together—and Taking Your Next Step Toward Innovation

If you’ve made it this far in the series, chances are something about Leadership Coaching for Innovation has sparked your curiosity—or maybe even your courage. You’ve seen how it works, who it’s for, and why...

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When, Where, and How Does Leadership Coaching for Innovation Work—and Why Is It More Effective Than Traditional PD?

We’re all familiar with the typical rhythms of professional development: workshops, webinars, maybe a conference or two. While these experiences can spark ideas, they often fall short when it comes to real, lasting transformation. That’s...

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Leadership Coaching for Innovation: Who It’s For and Finding the Right Coach

When people hear the phrase “Leadership Coaching for Innovation,” they often assume it’s just for superintendents or central office leaders navigating large-scale transformation. And yes, those roles are an ideal match—but this kind of coaching...

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What is Leadership Coaching for Innovation, and Why Now?

This is part one of a four-part series about Leadership Coaching for Innovation. If you’ve worked in education for any amount of time, you’ve probably felt that tension between what we know is possible for...

Exploring Literacy Growth and Engagement: An 8-Week Pilot of Shoelace Learning in the Classroom

Introduction Michigan’s Top Ten Strategic Education Plan was adopted in August 2020 to guide K-12 education stakeholders in working toward a common set of goals. The second goal on the list is to “Improve early...

From Automation to Inspiration: The Role of AI in Learning Design

Generative AI has given instructional designers (IDs) exciting new ways to create courses that resonate more deeply with learners. It’s not about replacing the human touch; it's about leveraging AI tools effectively to boost creativity...

Understanding Teacher-Student Communication in Online Courses: An Interview with a Researcher

In this interview, MVLRI researchers discuss key findings from a report highlighting how personalized, consistent, and timely communication in online courses can help students feel more connected to their online teachers and may also impact...

Project-Based Learning and Competency-Based Education Work Together at FlexTech: An Interview with an Educator

By blending project-based learning with competency-based education, FlexTech aims to provide a personalized path to graduation, meeting both academic standards and students’ personal growth goals....
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Understanding What Motivates High School Students to Pursue Computer Science

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 Michigan State University and...

Evaluating and Maximizing Professional Learning: An Interview with a Researcher

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...

From Playtime to Purpose: How Hobbies Can Set Your Child on the Path to Success

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...

Key Strategies for Supporting Disengaged and Struggling Students: An Interview With A Researcher

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 Institute (MVLRI) have conducted a comprehensive study to...

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Solving the Pacing Puzzle: Course Design and Technical Considerations for Pacing in K-12 Online Learning

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...
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A Structured Approach to AI Integration: A Roadmap for the 24-25 School Year

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...

Solving the Pacing Puzzle: Supporting Student Progress in K-12 Online Programs

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....
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The Power of Pitching in EdTech

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....

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