Innovation and Collaboration
Driving Quality Online Learning Through Collaboration and Shared Expertise
At the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA), collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a commitment to advancing quality are at the core of our mission. Our nationwide network of experienced leaders stay at the forefront of online learning research, innovation, and pedagogy, ensuring meaningful virtual learning experiences for learners of all ages. By working together to address challenges and share expertise, our members drive continuous improvement and shape the future of online education.
Explore the highlights of our collective efforts and discover key contributions from our member organizations below.
VLLA Synergy in Action
Each year, VLLA members come together for an energizing conference hosted in a member’s state. This dynamic event is a chance to network, exchange expertise, and collaborate in job-alike groups. Beyond the professional connections, attendees enjoy meaningful social interactions and team-building activities that strengthen our community. Building these relationships is at the heart of VLLA’s mission—because together, we’re shaping the future of virtual learning!
Throughout the year, our VLLA members meet in job-alike workgroups to continue build opportunities for networking and sharing best practices. These meetings include opportunities for member’s to showcase their work, meet in groups to discuss current challenges or conduct a book study relevant to their work. VLLA workgroups include the following:
- Curriculum
- Marketing and Communications
- Operations
- Professional Development and Instruction
- Special Populations
- Student Information System User Group
- Student Support Services
- Technology
Spotlight on VLLA Members
1
IDLA’s Officiating Youth Sports Course Helps Address Idaho’s Growing Referee Shortage
Across Idaho, a shortage of sports officials is impacting high school athletics, leading to rescheduled games and increased pressure on existing referees. Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) is addressing this challenge through its Officiating Youth Sports course, which equips students with officiating skills, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Two Bonners Ferry High School students, Asher and Makenna, recently completed the course and gained valuable insights into the role of referees. Asher, a standout athlete and state basketball champion, now sees officiating as a way to stay involved in sports while sharpening his leadership skills. Makenna, a multi-sport athlete and dual-credit student, found the course helped her build confidence and resilience in handling tough situations. With many referees leaving due to burnout and verbal abuse, training new officials is more important than ever. IDLA’s course provides a flexible, online pathway for students to gain certification and fill these essential roles. Whether they choose to officiate or not, students leave the class with skills that apply far beyond the game. By stepping up as officials, Asher and Makenna are not only staying connected to the sports they love but also helping to ensure the future of high school athletics in Idaho.
2
Exploring Literacy Growth and Engagement: An 8-Week Pilot of Shoelace Learning in the Classroom
Michigan Virtual partnered with Shoelace Learning to conduct an eight-week pilot study aimed at improving early literacy skills in Michigan elementary classrooms through gamified learning. Shoelace Learning, an educational technology company, provides video game-based reading comprehension exercises to engage students in literacy development.
Thirteen classrooms from six school districts participated in the pilot, with students playing Shoelace games for at least 30 minutes per week. Teachers received training and had flexibility in implementation. The study measured student engagement, reading comprehension growth, and teacher perceptions of the tool’s usability.
Results showed high student participation, with 99.7% playing at least once. Students who consistently engaged with the games demonstrated reading comprehension growth, with 42% achieving the equivalent of three or more months of reading improvement. Teachers overwhelmingly reported positive impacts on students’ confidence, fluency, vocabulary, and reading enjoyment.
Despite the success, challenges included varying fidelity of use, a learning curve for teachers, and the need for additional training support. However, the strong engagement levels and positive teacher feedback suggest that Shoelace games can be a valuable tool for literacy improvement. The study highlights the importance of structured implementation and ongoing teacher support in maximizing the impact of gamified learning in classrooms.
3
Indiana Online Celebrates 20 years
For two decades, Indiana Online (IO) has helped learners achieve their educational goals in an online environment, using innovative technologies that engage students and provide proactive learning opportunities. We collaborate with partner schools to provide wraparound services, rigorous online courses, and meaningful connections with highly qualified teachers to support their students’ educational journey.
This year marks our 20th year of serving schools and students, and we are proud of how much our accredited organization has evolved over the years. From humble beginnings to a robust catalog of programs, Indiana Online has earned a long-standing reputation in online education.
