Category: Artificial Intelligence

I Am Iron Man A Teacher: Balancing High-Tech Tools with Human Heart

Peter Milne

Screens Are Not the Solution or the Problem. Design Is.

Michelle Gierman

As schools rethink the role of technology in the classroom, it's tempting to see screens as either the problem or the solution. This article argues that the real difference lies in how learning experiences are designed. Michelle Gierman explores how purposeful, collaborative technology use can strengthen thinking, while passive screen time can undermine it. The result is a practical look at how educators can teach students the discernment they'll need to navigate an AI-powered world.

What ASU+GSV 2026 Revealed About the Future of AI in Education

Scott Watkins

What emerged from ASU+GSV 2026 was clear: AI is no longer an emerging trend in education. Michigan Virtual reflects on the conversations shaping the future of teaching, learning, workforce readiness, and student agency in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Understanding How Students and Teachers Think About Responsible AI Use: An Interview with a Researcher

Kristen DeBruler, PhD

Students and teachers generally understand the risks of AI misuse, but they are less clear about what responsible AI-supported learning should look like in practice. This interview highlights findings from a Michigan Virtual study showing that students need clearer examples, consistent expectations, and practical guidance for using AI transparently and appropriately in schoolwork.

The Environmental Trade-Offs of AI in Michigan Education

Michigan Virtual

How Students Really Use AI (with Karle Delo from Michigan Virtual)

Michigan Virtual

Self-Efficacy, Culture, and the Path to AI Adoption in Schools (with Dr. Nikolas McGehee)

Michigan Virtual

Every School Needs an AI Playbook

Jamey Fitzpatrick

AI Can Fix What’s Broken in Schools—If We Do It Right (with Aaron Baughman from Michigan Virtual)

Michigan Virtual

Have You Considered AI in Your Classroom? A Khanmigo Pilot Story

Christa Green

In a two-phase pilot across Michigan schools, educators used Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor and teaching assistant, to explore how AI might support teaching and learning. Their reflections surfaced both opportunities and challenges. The big takeaway? AI has potential, but only with intentional support.

The AI Horizon: Case Studies in Michigan Education's Transformation (Part 1)

Justin Bruno

The AI Horizon: Case Studies in Michigan Education’s Transformation (Part 2)

Justin Bruno

From Automation to Inspiration: The Role of AI in Learning Design

Generative AI has given instructional designers (IDs) exciting new ways to create courses that resonate more deeply with learners. It’s not about replacing the human touch; it's about leveraging AI tools effectively to boost creativity and streamline processes. With well-developed prompts and tools, AI helps designers focus on what they do best: developing lessons that really make an impact.

A Structured Approach to AI Integration: A Roadmap for the 24-25 School Year

Justin Bruno

Integrating AI into education for the 24-25 school year requires a strategic and well-structured approach. Michigan Virtual’s AI Integration Framework provides a roadmap for schools to assess their current capacities, engage stakeholders, develop policies, explore tools, and continuously refine their strategies to effectively harness AI's potential in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes.

Faster vs Better: Finding the Best Opportunities for AI in Education

Justin Bruno

Move beyond efficiency and take an intentional approach to adopting generative AI tools like ChatGPT.

Essentialism in the Age of GenAI

Ken Dirkin

The rise of GenAI, while offering immense potential for innovation and efficiency, also brings with it significant environmental costs.

Highlights from the 2023 AI Summit

Justin Bruno

The 2023 AI Summit at Michigan State University explored the impact of AI on education, featuring presentations urging innovative thinking, emphasizing learner-centered design, and discussing personalization with AI. Attendees expressed optimism for positive change in education practices, recognizing the urgency to adapt to rapid technological advancements.

AI, Learning, and Performance

Justin Bruno

Unveiling the impact of AI in education, proponents tout personalized learning, while critics caution against possible dependencies.

Supporting Schools: Maintaining an AI Tools toolkit for educators

Justin Bruno

Michigan Virtual's AI Resource Bank offers a curated compilation of websites, articles, podcasts, and tools. Engage with this evolving repository, explore emerging trends, and contribute to the conversation by sharing your own valuable resources for consideration.

AI's growing role in education: Top 5 predictions from Michigan school leaders

Nikolas McGehee

Will AI be the key to transforming education? Explore five game-changing ways AI has the potential to reshape the classroom and enhance student learning.