Intended Audience: Students, Guardians, Mentors, Affiliation Users
About
As an AI-forward organization, Michigan Virtual began piloting AI-enabled courses in Spring 2026 and is expanding this work into additional courses for the 2026-2027 school year. Our approach focuses on using AI to strengthen learning, increase personalization, support students and teachers, and create more authentic learning experiences while always keeping humans at the center of the learning process.
Michigan Virtual’s AI-enabled courses are designed to help students learn with AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively. These courses include built-in, optional AI tools and experiences that support learning while also helping students develop the AI literacy skills needed for college, careers, and everyday life.
AI-enabled courses may include tools and experiences designed to support students in these key areas:
- Clear expectations for when AI tools are allowed, limited, or not permitted
- Guidance on how students should disclose AI use in their work
- Embedded lessons focused on AI literacy, digital citizenship, and ethical decision-making
- Learning connected to their interests and goals
- Immediate formative feedback on drafts or practice activities
- AI-supported tutoring or coaching experiences
Our Approach to Responsible AI
Michigan Virtual is committed to using AI in ways that support learning, protect students, and promote ethical and transparent practices. As we expand AI-enabled learning experiences, our work is guided by several core principles:
Students First: AI should support meaningful learning, critical thinking, and student growth, not replace human connection or productive struggle.
Integrity and Transparency: Students are taught how and when AI can be used responsibly, including the importance of disclosure and ethical decision-making.
Equity and Accessibility: AI-enabled experiences should increase access and opportunity for all learners while maintaining rigorous academic expectations.
Creativity and Exploration: AI should help students explore ideas, solve problems, and engage deeply with learning rather than simply generating answers.
Michigan Virtual believes the most effective learning environments combine innovative technology with strong teaching, authentic learning experiences, and meaningful human support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are students required to use AI tools?
No. AI tools included in Michigan Virtual AI-enabled courses are optional. In any cases where AI tools are used as part of an assignment, alternative activities are included.
Will AI replace teachers in these courses?
No. Teachers remain central to the learning experience. AI tools are intended to support instruction and provide additional resources for students, not replace human educators.
Will including AI lead to academic integrity issues?
No. AI-enabled courses encourage students to think critically, explain their reasoning, and demonstrate their learning process rather than simply generating responses. Assessments focus on student thinking and problem-solving processes, while also teaching students how to use AI responsibly and transparently. Any AI tools included in courses are trained to provide support and assistance, but not do the work of the student for them.
What AI tools are used in AI-enabled courses?
Michigan Virtual currently uses BusyBee and SchoolAI within select AI-enabled courses. These tools may provide students with interactive learning experiences, guided practice, personalized feedback, tutoring support, brainstorming opportunities, and AI-powered activities designed to support learning and build AI literacy skills.
How do teachers use information from AI-enabled course activities?
Teachers have access to student inputs and interactions within AI-enabled tools to help inform instruction, identify learning gaps, and provide additional support when needed.
How does Michigan Virtual support student safety in AI-enabled courses?
AI-enabled tools used by Michigan Virtual include safeguards designed to support student safety and responsible use. Potentially unsafe or inappropriate interactions are flagged and shared with teachers or administrators for timely follow-up and support.