Presented by: Justin Bruno, Research Associate, MVLRI

Online Education and Statewide Data

Systems

Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

A Division of MVU

• Increasing buy-in and practice— As of 2012, state-level data collection on online

learning occurred in 40 states (Data Quality Campaign)

• “Ownership” of an enrollment– Accountability concerns

• Quality control— Content and instruction tied to student

performance

Central Issues

Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

A Division of MVU

Central Issues, cont.• Accuracy of definitions

— Instructional settings/delivery method— Correspondence to legal provisions

• Guidance and standardization

Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

A Division of MVU

Accountability• Ensuring correct positions are held

accountable• Instructor/mentor/facilitator

• Tying student enrollments to a specific instructor— Michigan educators needing PIC codes— Ensuring teachers are credentialed and

qualified— Cross referencing with teacher licensing

systems

Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

A Division of MVU

Accuracy of Definitions

• Michigan’s K-12 Virtual Learning Effectiveness Report– Data concerns• Virtual flag• Newly implemented

• New data definitions–Virtual flag replaced with virtual method– Instructional settings

Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

A Division of MVU

Guidance and Oversight• Guidance–NCES Forum Guide to Elementary/Secondary

Virtual Education (2006)– In-depth considerations re: pace, time, attendance, etc.– Proper funding and training needed– Newly revised in 2015

Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

A Division of MVU

Key Takeaways

• Greater collaboration between experts and data collection agencies

• Advocacy by online learning researchers— Funding— Consumable information

• Local training• Guidance from external groups

Thank You!Justin Bruno, Research Associate, MVLRIjbruno@mivu.org