The Digital Backpack - Your Resource for Online Learning
What’s Getting in the Way of Progress in Michigan’s Education System?: A Conversation with Mitch Albom
Nikki FisherIn celebration of our 20th anniversary, we hosted four panel discussions on Mitch Albom’s radio show on WJR 760. In this segment, Mitch Albom explores barriers to progress in Michigan’s educational system with a panel of the leaders of several of Michigan’s educational organizations.
Online Learning in the Wake of School Violence: False Solutions & Room for Growth
Jamey FitzpatrickThere are many good reasons to promote the value of online learning, but gun violence should not be one of them.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of the summer slide — what and who are at risk and why — as well some tips and tricks for mitigating the effects of summer learning loss.
Podcast: Power With, Not Power Over
Michigan VirtualIn this episode, Jeff and Erin chat about the concept of “power with vs. power over” — inspired by a recent book study of Jim Knight’s High-Impact Instruction — and host a great interview with the always amazing Val Capel.
How Effective is Online Learning in Michigan
Nikki FisherLet’s be honest: Online learning in Michigan, as a whole, is in deep need of reform. Since 2010, the average pass rate for online courses in Michigan has hovered around 60 percent. Compared to the pass rate for traditional classrooms, this statistic has led some to condemn virtual schooling as a failed experiment.
Michigan’s Literacy Crisis is a Public Health Crisis
Michigan VirtualWho suffers when our literacy rates are low? In this blog post by Tamara Bashore-Berg, we dive into the startling reality of Michigan’s literacy crisis and explore Dr. Nell Duke’s argument that this issue is, at its heart, a public health crisis.
Turning Digital Natives into Digital Citizens
Nikki FisherTwo educators share their experiences teaching digital literacy Last week, I had the great pleasure of speaking to two educators about their experiences teaching digital literacy. The conversations that emerged were eye-opening. Both teachers have taught — or are… Read more
Podcast: Live Episode @ Rebel U
Michigan VirtualIn this episode, Jeff shares some audio from a recent teacher professional development session on podcasts, then Jeff and Erin chat about using classroom experience to shape professional learning.
Podcast: Anchors Away!
Michigan VirtualIn this episode a podcast about … podcasts! Jeff and Erin discuss a cool tool for recording podcasts and how teachers might think about using podcasts in the classroom.
Innovation in Education
Andrea McKayStudents have access to more information in their pockets than ever before, yet they are often told to leave their phones in their lockers.
Podcast: Flipgrid & The Great Chicken/Egg Debate
Michigan VirtualJeff and Erin share about Flipgrid and how they dig using it with students and teachers alike, then ask: what comes first, the technology tool or the learning?
Free Microsoft services that are great for classroom use
Jeff GerlachDesigning the physical classroom to accommodate modern learning
Michigan Virtual honored by Quality Matters for quality courses and impact on student success
Michigan VirtualLANSING, MI — Michigan Virtual™ is excited to announce that it received a 2017 Quality Matters Making a Difference for Students Award for Outstanding Impact by a K-12 Organization at the QM annual conference “Connect Conference — Pathways to… Read more
Podcast: Putting Students in the Driver’s Seat
Erin LuckhardtAfter a summer hiatus (or a summer full of professional learning opportunities with teachers), we’re back! In this episode, we chat with Sharon Murchie, a high school English teacher with Bath Community Schools. She provides a look into her… Read more
The New Michigan Virtual
Jamey Fitzpatrick2018 marks our 20th anniversary as a nonprofit organization. We have witnessed the unparalleled growth of new technology tools that leverage the power and reach of the Internet to address business, entertainment, education and communication needs. It is hard… Read more
The Blended Learning Fight Club
Jamie DeWittThe first rule of blended learning is: you do not talk about blended learning. Recently, I was designing a professional learning experience for some administrators and, for the first time in my career in blended learning outreach, decided to… Read more
Unlocking the Next Level of Science Teaching
Andrew Vanden HeuvelI’m not ashamed to admit it — I’m 34, married with three children and I still like to play video games. While the Sega Genesis gave birth to my addiction, I do vividly recall huddling around the Commodore 64… Read more
Podcast: The End of Swiss Cheese Learning with Dan Spencer
Erin LuckhardtSHOW #6! We have had a great time chatting with teachers, administrators, and technology integration specialists and this episode was no different. We had on our guest, and friend, Dan Spencer. Dan is a high school science teacher turned tech… Read more
Physical Spaces
Jeff GerlachDesigning the physical classroom to accommodate modern learning
Podcast: Talking Marginalia with Rachelle
Erin LuckhardtThanks so much for tuning into the show and checking out the show notes! We appreciate YOU! In our 5th episode, we got into some deep conversations with Rachelle Wynkoop surrounding literacy, explored a new tool for us that linked up… Read more