Technology in Education

Artificial Intelligence

Virginia recognizes AI’s potential to enhance learning, creativity, and career opportunities. To ensure students are equipped for an AI-driven future, the VDOE has implemented several key initiatives:

• Virginia's Guidelines for AI Integration Throughout Education emphasize responsible and ethical AI use in schools, focusing on teacher training, student empowerment, collaboration with industry experts, and adaptive learning strategies to prepare students for an AI-driven future.
• The Board of Education Comprehensive Plan: 2024-2029 includes the Virginia Educational Plan which advances innovative instructional methods by integrating AI into classrooms with academic integrity safeguards, expanding professional development for educators through virtual AI coursework, and offering readiness guides to support effective implementation.
• The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) provided Generative AI teacher training in the fall of 2024, with Germanna Community College collaborating alongside Southwest, Reynolds, Virginia Western, and Central Virginia to offer targeted Generative AI workshops for K-12 educators across the Commonwealth. Conducted both in-person and online, these workshops enrolled 360 educators, equipping them with AI-driven instructional strategies so they can integrate the fundamentals of AI into all subject areas.
• The Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and Advanced Learning Partnerships (ALP), also launched a Year of Learning leadership initiative to help 75 Virginia school systems develop comprehensive support for Generative AI integration. This program included four in-person training sessions for each regional group and features an accompanying website designed to facilitate ongoing resource-sharing and collaboration among educators.
• The VDOE’s AI Advisory Committee provides strategic recommendations, elevates concerns about AI integration, and advises on effectively integrating AI while supporting innovation and responsible digital practices.
• Virginia Has Jobs AI Career Launch Pad is a web-based platform developed in partnership with Google to help Virginians explore and train for high-demand careers in AI and technology. The platform offers a curated selection of free and low-cost courses, bootcamps, and degree programs. Teachers across the Commonwealth are encouraged to take advantage of these resources—not only to upskill professionally, but also to bring AI literacy into their classrooms. Educators can apply for scholarships to cover Google’s AI Essentials courses and Career Certificates in fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management. 

Instructional Technology Platforms

  Virginia educators and students can continue to rely on Canvas and GoOpenVA as essential digital learning platforms, as both have secured funding through June 30, 2026.

 Canvas, the Statewide Learning Management System (LMS), provides each Virginia public school division with its own instance at no cost. With its user-friendly design, powerful integration tools, and commitment to personalized learning, the LMS equips educators to foster advanced academic growth and workforce readiness. The extension ensures that schools can maintain continuity in their digital learning strategies without disruption. Divisions and schools can also import the VVA Outreach Program’s free digital resources and develop their own courses and resources for local teachers to use in their classrooms.

 GoOpenVA, Virginia’s open educational resources (OER) platform, will also continue serving educators and students through 2026. This platform provides free access to quality instructional materials, fostering collaboration among educators statewide. The contract renewal underscores Virginia’s commitment to access educational resources, allowing teachers to share and adapt materials that align with state standards.