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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.
Introducing the Fuse Architect Schools – Central Falls High School
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
Led by assistant principal Amy Burns and principal Troy Silvia, Central Falls High School (CFHS) is dedicated to helping students meet their graduation requirements and preparing them to make informed
Design Thinking in Schools: “You can’t make school better without student voice.”
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
Have you thought about bringing design thinking to your school or district? One of the major foundations for the Fuse Architect project is design thinking. Through a partnership with IDEO, the Fuse Ar
Introducing the Fuse Architect Schools – Narragansett High School
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
Narragansett High School, led by Principal Daniel Warner, is a high performing school located in Narragansett, RI. Principal Warner believes that personalized learning is a key element of growth for N
Virtual Viewpoints Podcast: Stephen Osborn, RIDE and Daniela Fairchild, Office of Innovation
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
https://soundcloud.com/mvlri/nm-podcast2Stephen Osborn of the Rhode Island Department of Education and Daniela Fairchild of Rhode Island’s Office of Innovation provide some background on each of their
Online Learning in the Wake of School Violence: False Solutions & Room for Growth
Jamey Fitzpatrick
There are many good reasons to promote the value of online learning, but gun violence should not be one of them.
Introducing the Fuse Architect Schools – 360 High School
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
A Providence Public School, 360 High School (360) opened its doors in 2015 with 80 students entering 9th grade. It is one of two schools in Providence that have been chosen to participate in the Fuse
Introducing the Fuse Architect Schools – Central High School
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
Central High School (Central) is the second school from the Providence Public School District selected for the Fuse Architect program. Central High School is actively working to become a more student-
Introducing the Fuse Architect Schools – Barrington High School
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
The only high school within the district of Barrington Public Schools, the school population information for the 2016-17 school year is shared in the table below.# of students% of Free and Reduced Lun
How to avoid the "summer slide" without giving up your hard-earned break
Michigan Virtual
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.
Virtual Viewpoints Podcast: Interview with Lucas Orwig, Nellie Mae Education Foundation
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
https://soundcloud.com/mvlri/episode-1-lucas-orwig-nellie-mae-education-foundationThis is the first episode in a series documenting the Integrated Learning Systems project, a collaboration between the
Fuse Architects Take Off in 2017
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
What if the best way to make decisions about education technology starts off with not thinking about technology at all? This is the approach the Fuse Architect project took as they began their work th
Partner Collaboration Key to Highlander Institute’s Vision for Fuse Architect Success
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
As the Highlander Institute embarks on its Fuse Architect initiative with NMEF, six LEAs and seven high schools, collaborations with external partners are in the forefront. In this blog, we highlight
Podcast: Power With, Not Power Over
The Digital Backpack
In 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.
Highlander Institute Seeks Systems Change Through Fuse Architect Initiative
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
How do you move from a vision for integrated learning systems to classrooms where multiple education technology (edtech) tools seamlessly work together to support student-centered learning? With a new
Integrated Learning Systems Grant Initiative Webinar Series: Episode One
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
https://youtu.be/_nU3HqwxkhcIn the introductory episode of the Integrated Learning Systems Grant Initiative Webinar series, Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute,Highlander Institute, and the N
Integrated Learning Systems to Support Student-Centered Learning
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
At the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, we’re committed to creating more equitable and effective education systems — so that all New England students are ready for college and career. In our research,
Highlander Institute Awarded NMEF’s Integrated Learning Systems Grant
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
What is the formula for designing a statewide initiative to leverage technology for student-centered learning? Highlander Institute is testing out their plan for this over the next year and a half, th
How Effective is Online Learning in Michigan?
Michigan Virtual
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 sch
Making Student-Centered Learning A Reality? Nellie Mae’s Integrated Learning Systems Grant Program
Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute
How will the vision of student-centered learning become a reality? The Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF) sought to address a piece of the puzzle through their recent Integrated Learning Systems r
How Effective is Online Learning in Michigan
Michigan Virtual
Let'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.
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