LANSING, Mich. — Ahead of the upcoming school year, educators and innovators from across Michigan gathered last week for the second annual Michigan EdTech Innovation Bootcamp, learning skills to develop their own ideas for businesses or classroom innovation.
Educators from Detroit, Berrien Springs, Utica, Livonia, and Ann Arbor participated in the Bootcamp between July 17 and 20. The Bootcamp allowed educators to explore and develop a business model for their idea or business while developing skills and identifying resources to grow their business and positively impact teaching and learning. The Bootcamp was organized by Michigan Virtual with support from Spartan Innovations and the Michigan Small Business Development Center.
“Michigan teachers understand the challenges facing our schools, students and curriculum better than anyone else. Technology offers a solution to those challenges, but often lacks the support to bring ideas to life,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Michigan Virtual. “The education technology industry has the expertise to bridge that gap, and our Edtech Innovation Bootcamp holds the potential to make real change happen within our classrooms.”
The Bootcamp follows the Michigan EdTech Innovation Pitch Contest, which saw first, second, and third place awards given out to five educators at the end of June. The $22,000 awarded to those winners will be used to develop Spelling Safari, an elementary spelling curriculum reinvention and software solution, Spanish S.W.A.G., an on-demand language learning program, and YouLearn, an adaptive learning model that utilizes AI tutors.
“The EdTech Innovation Bootcamp by Michigan Virtual was a very valuable learning experience for me as an early-stage EdTech startup founder. The coaches were fantastic, providing a wealth of knowledge and resources from their experience and expertise in the field. The many outstanding guest speakers provided insight from all angles of the founders’ journey and established a foundation for success for participants. I’ve made ongoing connections with other participants, coaches, and guests which should greatly benefit my progress. I highly recommend this experience to other early-stage founders,” said Jonathan Marceau, an elementary school teacher with Utica Public School and the founder of Spelling Safari.
Given the wide interest from Michigan educators for a second year in a row, Michigan Virtual plans to host the contest again in 2024. To learn more about the Contest and Bootcamp, visit www.michiganvirtual.org/edtech-pitch-contest .
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About Michigan Virtual
Michigan Virtual is a nonprofit educational organization that is leading and collaborating to build learning environments for tomorrow. Driven by student success, we have a strong record of supporting Michigan education that spans more than two decades. While many know us for our research-based, quality online learning options for students and professional development for educators, we also do a great deal of work behind the scenes to conduct original research, test innovations in learning, and provide consulting partnerships to promote effective practices.
Education is changing faster than ever. Learn about new models and resources to move learning forward at michiganvirtual.org. For recent news and press releases, visit michiganvirtual.org/news.
