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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.

The Digital Backpack. Your Resource for Online Learning
Top-down View of Children in Classroom Use Tablets and Laptops, Connectivity by Lines of AI Data, Information. Diverse Kids Study with Interactive E-Learning, Modern Education, Digital Literacy

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

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?...
Psychological concept of choices and Finding or Choosing the right life path with group of diverse people following intersecting paths to doors with central signpost on arrow, flat vector illustration

Out of Order, Still Out of Reach: Variations in Pacing among World Language Students

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...
Illustration of three people using virtual reality (VR) headsets. Each person is interacting with a colorful, cosmic-themed environment featuring abstract planets, stars, and orbits. One person points at a floating circle, another raises their hand toward an orange sphere, and the third holds VR controllers, immersed in the experience. The background features deep purples, blues, and greens with celestial shapes like the moon and stars.

From Curiosity to Career: Exploring Possibilities with VR

Explore how immersive VR simulations helped students step into real-world roles: from EMTs to chefs, all without leaving the classroom....
A cheerful classroom scene with elementary-aged students working on laptops. A smiling boy in the foreground looks directly at the camera, while other students and a teacher engage in learning activities in the background. The classroom is softly lit, with large windows and warm yellow curtains.

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

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, learning councils, and...

A classroom scene where a diverse group of elementary-aged students work on laptops at their desks. A smiling teacher leans over to assist one student, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. Sunlight streams through large windows with yellow curtains in the background.

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

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, a wave of innovation is taking shape as K-12 schools,...

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Mastering Change: Coaching as the Lever for Transformation in Education

Originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of the MASB Leaderboard Magazine. Introduction A few years ago, I came across Master of Change by Brad Stulberg, and it couldn’t have landed at a more fitting...

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Out of Order, Still Out of Reach: An Interview with a Researcher

In this blog, MVLRI researchers synthesize the key findings from two research studies about student assignment submission patterns in Michigan Virtual online courses....
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What If These Iconic Movie Heroes Had a Leadership Coach?

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 changed if they had access to...

Smiling man holding notebook and marker in office meeting room

Now What? Bringing It All Together—and Taking Your Next Step Toward Innovation

If you’ve made it this far in the series, chances are something about Leadership Coaching for Innovation has sparked your curiosity—or maybe even your courage. You’ve seen how it works, who it’s for, and why...

Two businesswomen working together at the office.

When, Where, and How Does Leadership Coaching for Innovation Work—and Why Is It More Effective Than Traditional PD?

We’re all familiar with the typical rhythms of professional development: workshops, webinars, maybe a conference or two. While these experiences can spark ideas, they often fall short when it comes to real, lasting transformation. That’s...

Creative colleagues laughing in a vibrant and colorful workplace

Leadership Coaching for Innovation: Who It’s For and Finding the Right Coach

When people hear the phrase “Leadership Coaching for Innovation,” they often assume it’s just for superintendents or central office leaders navigating large-scale transformation. And yes, those roles are an ideal match—but this kind of coaching...

Two colleagues sit at a wooden table in a modern office, engaged in a friendly conversation. One person is smiling and gesturing with a hand, holding a coffee cup in front of them, while the other listens attentively with a glass of water in hand. A lanyard, glasses, and a laptop rest on the table.

What is Leadership Coaching for Innovation, and Why Now?

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 that tension between what we know is possible for...

Exploring Literacy Growth and Engagement: An 8-Week Pilot of Shoelace Learning in the Classroom

Introduction Michigan’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 goal on the list is to “Improve early...

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...

Understanding Teacher-Student Communication in Online Courses: An Interview with a Researcher

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...

Project-Based Learning and Competency-Based Education Work Together at FlexTech: An Interview with an Educator

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....
woman on laptop

Understanding What Motivates High School Students to Pursue Computer Science

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 Michigan State University and...

Evaluating and Maximizing Professional Learning: An Interview with a Researcher

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...

From Playtime to Purpose: How Hobbies Can Set Your Child on the Path to Success

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...

Key Strategies for Supporting Disengaged and Struggling Students: An Interview With A Researcher

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 Institute (MVLRI) have conducted a comprehensive study to...

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