Michigan Virtual Launches AI Lab for K–12 Research, Policy, and Development -- THE Journal

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Michigan Virtual Launches AI Lab for K–12 Research, Policy, and Development

By Kristal Kuykendall
10/30/23

Ed tech nonprofit Michigan Virtual is adding an AI Lab to its Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute to explore the practical and ethical applications of generative AI in K–12 educational settings, according to a news release.

The MVLRI AI Lab will aim to “deepen AI literacy statewide and serve as a practical resource for Michigan schools,” Michigan Virtual said, and will serve as a “hub for research, best practices, experimentation, policy development, and raising awareness” about the responsible use of AI in schools.

The organization said it will seek public and private funding for research and development as the new AI Lab takes off.

“Michigan Virtual is committed to doing more to assist schools with AI integration. This includes technical assistance, customized professional development offerings, expanded experimentation, and collaborative partnerships to pilot and evaluate new AI tools,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Michigan Virtual. "The establishment of the AI Lab represents a compelling strategic direction; it exemplifies our unwavering commitment to support schools and build a more resilient, adaptable, and forward-looking education landscape for the benefit of all in our state."

Managing the new AI Lab will be Ken Dirkin, MVLRI senior director.

Elliot Soloway, the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor at the University of Michigan & Co-Director of the Center for Digital Curricula, called the launch of the AI Lab “revolutionary” and said the resulting resources and guidance will be critical to K–12 schools’ ability to harness the power of AI in effective and equitable ways.

Learn more at MichiganVirtual.org.

About the Author

Kristal Kuykendall is editor, 1105 Media Education Group. She can be reached at [email protected].

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