In this episode, we’re talking with Dr. Michael Barbour, the Director of Doctoral Studies at Sacred Heart University. Dr. Barbour has been involved in the field of online and blended learning research for over a decade and offers us plenty of insights on how he’s observed the field grow and evolve over that time. He also brings an international perspective, having lived and conducted research in Canada for quite some time. We also talk about how researchers, practitioners, and policymakers can tweak their processes in order to better reflect what’s been demonstrated through research. Be sure to check out his blog.
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute (MVLRI) is a non-biased organization that exists to expand Michigan’s ability to support new learning models, engage in active research to inform new policies in online and blended learning, and strengthen the state’s infrastructures for sharing best practices. MVLRI works with all online learning environments to develop the best practices for the industry as a whole.
Related Posts
Understanding How Students and Teachers Think About Responsible AI Use: An Interview with a Researcher
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.
What Happens to Students' Online Course Scores After the Course Ends?
The moment an online course ends, a new question begins: how will that score be recorded locally? Drawing on a 2025 brief and a small follow-up survey, this blog post outlines three common approaches districts use to interpret and record students’ online course scores and why the differences can matter for students.
How Students Really Use AI (with Karle Delo from Michigan Virtual)
In a recent episode of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning, host Seth Fleischauer sits down with Karle Delo, AI Strategist at...
Self-Efficacy, Culture, and the Path to AI Adoption in Schools (with Dr. Nikolas McGehee)
In this episode, Dr. Nikolas McGehee talks about how confidence, curiosity, and a supportive school environment influence the way...
AI Can Fix What’s Broken in Schools—If We Do It Right (with Aaron Baughman from Michigan Virtual)
Why Equity, Policy, and Practice Must Evolve Together In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer sits down with Aaron...
The Human Side of Systems Change (Part 2) with Dr. Tovah Sheldon
Why Real Innovation Starts With People Educational change often takes a top-down approach—fast, structured, and impersonal. In this...