LANSING, Mich. – As school districts throughout the state are beginning to harness the power of AI tools to create greater equity and transform teaching, Michigan Virtual is excited to announce the creation of a laboratory dedicated to exploring the practical and ethical applications of AI in K-12 educational settings. The lab, created as part of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute (MVLRI), will function as a hub for research, best practices, experimentation, policy development, and raising awareness about the responsible utilization of AI in schools.
“Michigan Virtual is committed to doing more to assist schools with AI integration. This includes technical assistance, customized professional development offerings, expanded experimentation, and collaborative partnerships to pilot and evaluate new AI tools,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Michigan Virtual. “The establishment of the AI Lab represents a compelling strategic direction; it exemplifies our unwavering commitment to support schools and build a more resilient, adaptable, and forward-looking education landscape for the benefit of all in our state.”
AI is rapidly evolving, and its potential impact on teaching and education is profound. As technology continues to shape the educational landscape, the need for a roadmap that empowers educators to harness AI’s capabilities becomes increasingly critical. This lab allows for the development of practical insights and strategies necessary to navigate the dynamic and evolving landscape of artificial intelligence within schools.
“AI has the opportunity to be a disruptive force for K–12 schools, similar to the advent of the Internet. And yet, educators do and should have big questions about how to make sure the AI they use is positive and impactful. Having labs like this to help answer those questions is critical,” said Michael Horn, co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation. “Leveraging the type of work that Michigan Virtual is doing is vital so that schools can evaluate AI-driven programs, innovate, and help unleash the potential of each and every student they serve.”
Michigan Virtual is uniquely positioned to convene leaders from the K-12 community, higher-ed, and the tech industry to conduct the necessary research, identify best practices, and lead statewide awareness to ensure broad understanding of this constantly developing field. As part of the MVLRI, the AI Lab will deepen AI literacy statewide and serve as a practical resource for Michigan schools. Ken Dirkin, senior director of MVLRI will manage day-to-day operations for the AI Lab.
“Michigan Virtual’s launch of this lab is revolutionary in the education space – it truly is one of a kind,” said Elliot Soloway, the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor at the University of Michigan & Co-Director of the Center for Digital Curricula. “Instructors, administrators, and parents are so busy, but the work done within this lab will make clear the way forward to working with AI technology. These resources and guidance will be critical.”
The MVLRI AI Lab will deepen AI literacy statewide and serve as a practical resource for Michigan schools to help them harness the potential of AI to better support the needs of educators, students, and parents. Michigan Virtual plans to actively explore public and private funding opportunities to support expanded experimentation for research and development to support schools moving forward.
