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Category: Online Learning

The Digital Backpack. Your Resource for Online Learning
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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....

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...
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Charting Teen Passions: A Practical Guide for Guardians and Educators

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...

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...

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...

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...

Overcoming procrastination: Boost student executive function with transparent planning (+ free template!)

The transparent planning process offers strategies for combatting procrastination and strengthening students’ executive function. This process not only can improve academic outcomes but also helps instill lifelong skills in students. In this article, I dive...

Designing for the future with AI: Lessons learned in curriculum development

Michigan Virtual's educators experimented with ChatGPT to generate content for online courses, offering insights into its potential benefits and limitations in areas like content creation, individualized learning, and the 5D course design process....

3 Creative Ways to Celebrate Student Success in the Online Classroom

There is much to celebrate when students do well in their online courses! After all, success in online learning requires excellent time management skills, the ability to learn in a new environment, and so much...

AI in education: What you need to know about this game-changing technology

Don’t miss these predictions for the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI’s impact on the future of learning (plus a sneak peek of how educators are already rising to meet this new challenge)....

Become an online learning pro: Top tips & tricks from experienced instructors

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the freedom and flexibility of online learning? You're not alone! In this article, we share top tips from seasoned instructors on how to make the most out of your online...

21st-century skills: What are they, how should I teach them, and why are they important?

What are 21st-century skills? There have been many substantial changes in the world at large, but especially in education, over the past few years. With so many things rapidly changing, one of the only constant...

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