Educator Perspectives on Research Using Digital Learning Platforms

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Educator Perspectives on Research Using Digital Learning Platforms
Language: English
Authors: Stefani Pautz Stephenson, Brittany C. Bradford, Amanda Wortman, Cheryl Robertson, Chad Sorrells, Debshila Basu Mallick, Digital Promise, Empirical Education Inc., Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Source: Digital Promise. 2026.
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: 20
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Teacher Attitudes, Educational Technology, Learning Management Systems, Elementary Secondary Education, Higher Education, Ethics, Educational Research, Barriers, Technology Uses in Education, Electronic Learning
Abstract: As digital learning platforms (DLPs) increasingly serve as educational research infrastructure, a persistent divide remains between researchers and frontline practitioners. This descriptive study, conducted with SEERNet, surveyed 43 educators to explore perceptions of the benefits, challenges, and ethical dimensions of DLP-based research across K-12 and higher education contexts. The findings reveal a shared, positive commitment to leveraging research for evidence-based pedagogical insights. However, institutional cultures differ significantly. Higher education faculty report greater research awareness, active participation, and institutional alignment. Conversely, K-12 educators face tighter logistical constraints and a pronounced transparency gap; while they view student data privacy as paramount, most remain unaware of specific platform safeguards. To transition from an "extractive" research model to a collaborative ecosystem, the authors recommend cultivating formal Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs), translating data into actionable classroom strategies, and providing clear, plain-language documentation regarding student data privacy.
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED682391
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:As digital learning platforms (DLPs) increasingly serve as educational research infrastructure, a persistent divide remains between researchers and frontline practitioners. This descriptive study, conducted with SEERNet, surveyed 43 educators to explore perceptions of the benefits, challenges, and ethical dimensions of DLP-based research across K-12 and higher education contexts. The findings reveal a shared, positive commitment to leveraging research for evidence-based pedagogical insights. However, institutional cultures differ significantly. Higher education faculty report greater research awareness, active participation, and institutional alignment. Conversely, K-12 educators face tighter logistical constraints and a pronounced transparency gap; while they view student data privacy as paramount, most remain unaware of specific platform safeguards. To transition from an "extractive" research model to a collaborative ecosystem, the authors recommend cultivating formal Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs), translating data into actionable classroom strategies, and providing clear, plain-language documentation regarding student data privacy.