Michigan Virtual, aiEDU Partner to Expand AI Support for Teachers
A new partnership between Michigan Virtual and the AI Education Project (aiEDU) aims to accelerate AI literacy and AI readiness across Michigan's K-12 schools. The collaboration will leverage the state's existing network of instructional and educational technology coaches to expand support and training for educators, the organizations explained in a news announcement.
Michigan Virtual is a nonprofit provider of online courses for Michigan students and professional development for educators, and is the parent organization of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute and Michigan Virtual AI Lab. The AI Education Project is a nonprofit that works with education systems to advance AI literacy and AI readiness through curriculum, professional development, and strategic partnerships with states, school districts, and other systems.
The two organizations are kicking off their partnership with a year-long Train-the-Trainer initiative designed to "cultivate a core group of 50 Michigan educators as AI education leaders in their regions and districts," the announcement said. Participants will attend virtual professional learning sessions to develop hands-on skills and pedagogical strategies for delivering foundational AI literacy training to colleagues — "ultimately scaling impact and fostering equitable access to AI education for students statewide."
In addition, Michigan Virtual and aiEDU will provide curricular resources to help teachers across all subject areas integrate AI literacy into their instruction, the organizations said, adding that the materials are aligned with Michigan Virtual's AI Framework for Schools and national guidance on AI education.
"Educators are the change agents our students need, they're absolutely critical to building a world where every student can live, work and thrive in a world where AI is everywhere," said Alex Kotran, CEO of aiEDU, in a statement. "This partnership with Michigan Virtual taps into a strong professional ecosystem to ensure every Michigan learner has the opportunity to understand and shape the future of AI."
"This partnership represents the kind of forward-thinking collaboration our education system needs," commented Tiffany Taylor, board member for both Michigan Virtual and aiEDU. "I've seen firsthand how each organization champions innovation and equity in learning. Together, they are equipping educators with the tools and confidence to prepare students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence — ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive in an AI-powered world."
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Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].