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Category: Research

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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....
  • Online Learning, Research

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...
  • Online Teaching, Research
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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...

  • Online Learning, Research

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...
  • Professional Development, Research

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...

  • Online Learning, Online Teaching, Research
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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...
  • Online Learning, Research

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....
  • Online Learning, Research

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

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 dynamics of online coursework completion, particularly focusing on the...

  • Online Learning, Research

Solving the Pacing Puzzle: What We Know About the Importance of Student Pacing in Online Courses

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...
  • Online Learning, Research

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...
  • Online Learning, Research

Creating a Culture of Continuous, Collaborative, and Personalized Professional Learning

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...
  • Online Learning, Professional Development, Research

Mapping the Mentorship Landscape: Insights on Mentoring in Different School Settings

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...
  • Mentoring, Online Learning, Research

Time for Teachers: Self-Assessment with Community Support as Individual Solutions

Educators often cite a lack of time as one of their most significant stressors. How can we help teachers find the balance necessary to feel satisfied in their jobs and meet their social and emotional...
  • Research, Social Emotional Learning, Teaching, Tips and Tools

Time for Teachers: Agile Meetings and Short Pulse Surveys as Systemic Solutions

Educators often cite a lack of time as one of their most significant stressors. How can we help teachers find the balance necessary to feel satisfied in their jobs and meet their social and emotional...
  • Research, Social Emotional Learning, Teaching, Tips and Tools

Effective Practices in Professional Learning Course Design: Course Content

Based on direct input from learners via end-of-course survey data, Michigan Virtual’s Instructional Product Development team gleaned the effective practices outlined in this blog in order to improve their course development and better meet the...
  • Instructional Design, Online Learning, Professional Development, Research

Effective Practices in Professional Learning Course Design: Assessments, Format, Structure, and Appearance

Based on direct input from learners via end-of-course survey data, Michigan Virtual’s Instructional Product Development team gleaned the effective practices outlined in this blog in order to improve their course development and better meet the...
  • Instructional Design, Online Learning, Professional Development, Research
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Bolstering Michigan’s Teacher Recruitment through Grow Your Own Programs

There is a teacher recruitment and retention crisis in Michigan and across the country. Why is there a crisis? What can be done? This last post in a blog series on teacher recruitment and retention...
  • Research, Teacher Recruitment & Retention

Modernizing Professional Learning, Modeling Effective Practices for Student-Centered Learning

Based on direct input from learners via end-of-course survey data, Michigan Virtual’s Professional Learning Services team has modernized their professional learning for educators while modeling effective practices for student-centered learning....
  • Instructional Design, Online Learning, Professional Development, Research

Supports associated with teacher retention in Michigan

There is a teacher recruitment and retention crisis in Michigan and across the country. Why is there a crisis? What can be done? This third post in a blog series on teacher recruitment and retention...
  • Research, Teacher Recruitment & Retention
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Reviewing Michigan’s K-12 Virtual Learning Effectiveness Report

The author of Michigan’s K-12 Virtual Learning Effectiveness Report shares a few highlights from the 2020-21 school year to encourage a deeper dive into the full report....
  • Research

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