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Expected and Emerging Requirements for Digital Learning Platforms as Research Infrastructure

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Expected and Emerging Requirements for Digital Learning Platforms as Research Infrastructure
Language: English
Authors: Jeremy Roschelle, Amanda Wortman, Stefani Pautz Stephenson, Digital Promise, Empirical Education Inc.
Source: Digital Promise. 2025.
Availability: Digital Promise. 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 935, Washington DC 20036. Tel: 202-450-3675; e-mail: contact@digitalpromise.org; Web site: https://digitalpromise.org/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Contract Number: R305N210034
Document Type: Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Electronic Learning, Educational Research, Influence of Technology, Research, Networks, Technology Uses in Education, Researchers, Partnerships in Education, Barriers, Data, Sharing Behavior, Information Management, Learning Management Systems, Research Design, Privacy, Information Security
Abstract: Digital learning platforms (DLPs) can transform educational research by serving as infrastructure that bridges the gap between practice and research. This white paper examines the progress of DLPs in SEERNet, a multi-year initiative funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), which aims to advance research infrastructure. Through coordinated efforts among platform developers, researchers, and practitioners, SEERNet members have addressed both expected and emerging challenges. The paper seeks to support others who are seeking to share platform data with researchers by clarifying the range of requirements. Some requirements were expected; others were emergent. Expected requirements, such as enhancing platform data capabilities, enabling experimental research designs, and protecting data privacy, have focused on technical improvements to support scalable and rigorous research. Emerging needs included the creation of standardized workflows, development of researcher outreach strategies, and establishment of templates for institutional review board (IRB) approvals and data-sharing agreements. In addition, fostering a peer review community attuned to the unique affordances and constraints of DLP-based research has emerged as a shared priority. This working paper reflects on lessons learned from SEERNet's efforts, highlighting innovations in data documentation, experimental workflows, and collaborative relationship building.
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: ED671238
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Digital learning platforms (DLPs) can transform educational research by serving as infrastructure that bridges the gap between practice and research. This white paper examines the progress of DLPs in SEERNet, a multi-year initiative funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), which aims to advance research infrastructure. Through coordinated efforts among platform developers, researchers, and practitioners, SEERNet members have addressed both expected and emerging challenges. The paper seeks to support others who are seeking to share platform data with researchers by clarifying the range of requirements. Some requirements were expected; others were emergent. Expected requirements, such as enhancing platform data capabilities, enabling experimental research designs, and protecting data privacy, have focused on technical improvements to support scalable and rigorous research. Emerging needs included the creation of standardized workflows, development of researcher outreach strategies, and establishment of templates for institutional review board (IRB) approvals and data-sharing agreements. In addition, fostering a peer review community attuned to the unique affordances and constraints of DLP-based research has emerged as a shared priority. This working paper reflects on lessons learned from SEERNet's efforts, highlighting innovations in data documentation, experimental workflows, and collaborative relationship building.