Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

Providing the groundwork & research to support the success of students and educators through online & blended learning platforms
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Helping to define educational practices online and in the classroom

Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute (MVLRI) receives directives from the Michigan legislature to define the areas of research in blended and online learning each year. Research is conducted throughout the state, nation and internationally to incorporate a global perspective. Research is also conducted without regard to the provider to ensure that important findings are brought to light and practiced in our own backyard.

Each year MVLRI reports a summary of these findings in its Annual Report. This report, along with other research conducted through the Institute, informs educational policy in the state. Further research including focus groups of teachers, administrators and other school officials provides continuous feedback regarding the effectiveness of the policy as it is implemented in districts across Michigan. The effectiveness of all online learning programs is tracked in MVLRI’s annual Effectiveness Report. Many times the Effectiveness Report uncovers important aspects of online learning implementation that are not working, once again informing policy to ensure that Michigan’s students are receiving the best online education possible.

The work of the MVLRI is internationally recognized for providing accurate research that is utilized throughout the education industry to empower educators and support learners of all ages.

Latest Research Publications

MVLRI’s research provides a foundation to examine, engage and explore educational practices in the industry.

MVLRI is dedicated to taking education techniques to the next level. We believe that with proper research, the ways we learn can continue to evolve to strengthen our futures.

In online asynchronous courses, students can submit assignments anytime during the enrollment window, often in any order they like. While previous research has focused on the timing of assignment submissions, Cuccolo & DeBruler highlighted how the order of assignment submissions is associated with lower course performance in STEM courses. This study expands that research to World Language courses, highlighting that students’ final course scores decreased as deviations from the pacing guide increased.
Based on pupil completion and performance data reported by public schools to MDE or CEPI, this report highlights 2023-24 enrollment totals, completion rates, and the overall impact of virtual courses on K-12 pupils. Detailed findings are presented in sections on schools, courses, and students, as well as over 90 data tables.
The integration of technology into education has faced resistance for over a century, with each new innovation—from calculators to artificial intelligence (AI)—meeting skepticism from educators. This meta-analysis examines the predictors of technology adoption among teachers, extending foundational frameworks like the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to include modern AI tools. By analyzing over 60 studies, the research identifies key factors such as self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, technological complexity, and ethical concerns that influence adoption. With a particular focus on AI, the study explores how barriers like cost, time, and required pedagogical shifts amplify resistance, while highlighting the importance of training, institutional support, and transparency in fostering acceptance. These findings aim to equip educators, policymakers, and developers with actionable insights to bridge the gap between innovation and classroom practice, ensuring technology enhances learning while addressing teachers' concerns.

The Impact of Virtual Learning in Michigan Schools

Michigan’s K-12 Virtual Learning Effectiveness Reports provide annual analyses of virtual course enrollments, completion rates, and their impact on students. They detail findings across schools, courses, and student demographics, including data on enrollment totals, pass rates, and the influence of factors like poverty status. Each report includes extensive data tables to support these insights.