The Michigan State Board of Education approved the guideline document for the online learning experience requirement, including the definition:
A structured learning activity that utilizes technology with intranet/internet-based tools and resources as the delivery method for instruction, research, assessment, and communication.

Starting with the class of 2011, students will need to have an online learning experience in one of these ways:

• Online course - A course delivered through an intranet or internet connection (inside or outside the school/county network)
• Online experience - A combination of structured, sustained, integrated, online experiences accessed via a telecommunications network utilizing teacher led, blended, teacher facilitated, or self paced courses
• Integrated experience - Integration of an online learning experience into each of the required credits of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

The REMC Association has submitted a Companion Document (pdf) to the Michigan Merit Online Learning Guidelines (pdf). While the current guidelines have clear information about online courses, the experiences section is very open. Many districts are asking for direction, although it is beneficial to have freedom in implementing an online experience. The Companion Document (pdf) is meant to help schools understand the essential components of online learning experiences and provide some examples.

The REMC participants who compiled and designed the document includes:
Sue Porter
Melissa White (Ingham)
Carolyn McCarthy (Shiawassee)
Tim Davis (Saginaw)
Anne Thorp (Ottawa)
Ricki Chowning (REMC)
Jim Cowden (St. Clair)
Mike Oswalt (Calhoun)