The Michigan State Board of Education has approved guidelines for the Online Learning requirement in the new Michigan Merit Curriculum. An Online Learning Experience is defined in the document as: “A structured learning activity that utilizes technology with intranet/internet-based tools and resources as the delivery method for instruction, research, assessment, and communication.”

The guide contends that although research has shown that students are most successful in a teacher-led environment and a teacher-led course or experience is preferable, it concedes that not all districts have this capacity, and district discretion will prevail. It is encouraged that teachers will incorporate the Michigan Curriculum Framework, Standards for Teaching and Learning; higher order thinking, deep knowledge, substantive conversation, and connections to the world beyond the classroom, into the experience. It also places emphasis on the use of the global Internet, rather than a stand-alone software product.

Download the Online Learning Experience Guidelines.