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The Digital Backpack
Your resource for online learning
Your trusted source for K-12 online learning insights, teaching strategies, and success stories from Michigan’s leading virtual education provider. Join us as we explore innovative approaches to help students thrive in the digital age.
Out of Order, Still Out of Reach: Variations in Pacing among World Language Students
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
Cuccolo & Green’s (2025) report highlighted the relationship between students’ assignment submission patterns and final course scores. Given that pacing has important implications for student performance, knowing what assignment submission patterns look like across schools with varying demographics could help prompt early identification and intervention. As such, this blog explores students’ assignment submission patterns based on school-level demographic information.
From Curiosity to Career: Exploring Possibilities with VR
Melissa Graeser
Explore how immersive VR simulations helped students step into real-world roles: from EMTs to chefs, all without leaving the classroom.
The AI Horizon: Case Studies in Michigan Education's Transformation (Part 1)
Justin Bruno
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly shifting the landscape of education, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and novel challenges for K-12 institutions. Across Michigan,
The AI Horizon: Case Studies in Michigan Education’s Transformation (Part 2)
Justin Bruno
The work to integrate artificial intelligence in Michigan schools is gaining momentum. In Part 1 of this series, we looked at how four districts are building their own foundations through task forces,
Mastering Change: Coaching as the Lever for Transformation in Education
Tovah Sheldon
Originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of the MASB Leaderboard Magazine.IntroductionA few years ago, I came across Master of Change by Brad Stulberg, and it couldn’t have landed at a more fitti
Out of Order, Still Out of Reach: An Interview with a Researcher
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
In this blog, MVLRI researchers synthesize the key findings from two research studies about student assignment submission patterns in Michigan Virtual online courses.
What If These Iconic Movie Heroes Had a Leadership Coach?
Tovah Sheldon
Leadership in movies takes many forms; sometimes loud and inspiring, sometimes subtle and behind the scenes, but it's always evolving. Now, imagine how some iconic characters’ stories might have
Now What? Bringing It All Together—and Taking Your Next Step Toward Innovation
Tovah Sheldon
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sP9oPIKS4TWC270dDE2Pa?si=07bd240fc29947f4If you’ve made it this far in the series, chances are something about Leadership Coaching for Innovation has sparked your cur
When, Where, and How Does Leadership Coaching for Innovation Work—and Why Is It More Effective Than Traditional PD?
Tovah Sheldon
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sP9oPIKS4TWC270dDE2Pa?si=07bd240fc29947f4We’re all familiar with the typical rhythms of professional development: workshops, webinars, maybe a conference or two. Whil
Leadership Coaching for Innovation: Who It’s For and Finding the Right Coach
Tovah Sheldon
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sP9oPIKS4TWC270dDE2Pa?si=07bd240fc29947f4When people hear the phrase "Leadership Coaching for Innovation," they often assume it’s just for superintendents o
What is Leadership Coaching for Innovation, and Why Now?
Tovah Sheldon
This is part one of a four-part series about Leadership Coaching for Innovation.If you’ve worked in education for any amount of time, you’ve probably felt it—that tension between what we know is possi
Exploring Literacy Growth and Engagement: An 8-Week Pilot of Shoelace Learning in the Classroom
Kristen DeBruler, PhD
Download this study as a PDFIntroductionMichigan’s Top Ten Strategic Education Plan was adopted in August 2020 to guide K-12 education stakeholders in working toward a common set of goals. The second
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.
Understanding Teacher-Student Communication in Online Courses: An Interview with a Researcher
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
In this interview, MVLRI researchers discuss key findings from a report highlighting how personalized, consistent, and timely communication in online courses can help students feel more connected to their online teachers and may also impact their success in the course. This blog also explores practical strategies for communicating effectively and building relationships with online students.
Project-Based Learning and Competency-Based Education Work Together at FlexTech: An Interview with an Educator
Christa Green
By blending project-based learning with competency-based education, FlexTech aims to provide a personalized path to graduation, meeting both academic standards and students’ personal growth goals.
Understanding What Motivates High School Students to Pursue Computer Science
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
As computer science (CS) continues to grow in importance in K-12 education, understanding what motivates students to pursue this field is becoming increasingly vital. In a study, Dr. Aman Yadav from M
Evaluating and Maximizing Professional Learning: An Interview with a Researcher
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
This blog digs into the key findings from two MVLRI research studies exploring educator engagement with professional learning (PL), their beliefs about implementing what they’ve learned, and insights into continuing to tailor PL to meet educators’ needs.
From Playtime to Purpose: How Hobbies Can Set Your Child on the Path to Success
Michigan Virtual
Hobbies aren’t just fun—they help kids grow. From building confidence to developing real-world skills, hobbies play a key role in helping children discover who they are and what they care about. In this post, we explore how parents and educators can support hobby-based learning and create space for curiosity, creativity, and long-term success.
Key Strategies for Supporting Disengaged and Struggling Students: An Interview With A Researcher
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
In an era where virtual learning is becoming increasingly prevalent, understanding the best practices for engaging students online is crucial. Researchers at the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Ins
Solving the Pacing Puzzle: Course Design and Technical Considerations for Pacing in K-12 Online Learning
Kelly Cuccolo, PhD
Pacing is critical to student success in online learning, and supporting effective pacing is a team effort. This blog explores how Michigan Virtual staff leverages technology and course design principles to uplift student learning through proper pacing.
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