SEERNet is a network of platform developers, researchers, and education stakeholders working together to create and expand the capacity of digital learning platforms (DLPs) to enable equity-focused and rigorous education research. SEERNet is funded by the Institute of Education Science, with a deliberate intention to fund both DLPs and researchers, as well as a growing network connecting DLPs, researchers, and practitioners. It is called “SEERNet” in reference to IES’s SEER principles, a set of aspirations for educational research.
This paper presents a conceptual exploration of how Digital Learning Platforms (DLPs) can be utilized to investigate the impact of language clarity, precision, engagement, and contextual relevance on mathematics learning from word problems. Focusing on three distinct DLPs—ASSISTments/E-TRIALS, MATHia/UpGrade, and Canvas/Terracotta—we propose hypothetical studies aimed at uncovering how nuanced language modifications can enhance mathematical understanding and engagement. While these studies are illustrative in nature, they provide a blueprint for researchers interested in leveraging DLPs for empirical investigation so that future investigators gain a better understanding of the emerging infrastructure for research in digital learning platforms and the opportunities provided by them. In highlighting three distinct implementations of the same core research question, we reveal both commonalities as well as differences in how different educational technologies might build evidence, offering a unique opportunity to advance the field of math education and other education research fields.
One of SEERNet’s aims is to enable alignment of research on digital learning platforms to practitioner needs. Office Hours: A Conversational Series was SEERNet’s first initiative to convene practitioners and researchers in identifying problems of practice relevant to digital learning platforms (DLPs) and co-designing research questions. Participants discussed their experiences, goals, challenges, and vision related to DLP use. The conversations were synthesized and feedback from the participants led to refined research questions. In addition, we asked the participants to reflect on the value of the Office Hours process.
SEERNet network partner Terracotta shared this great blog post reflecting on the challenges and opportunities presented by platform-embedded educational experiments. Check it out!
On April 2, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau will host a public webinar that will highlight preK-12 data products and data tools for…
Today, the National Center for Education Statistics released the 2018–19 Common Core of Data (CCD) Graduates/Completers Public and Restricted-Use Data Files, the product of the CCD data collection for the…
In a new blog, IES Director Mark Schneider discusses his experience attending the final convening of the CTE Research Network, entitled “Expanding the Evidence Base for Career and Technical Education.”