To increase equitable access to high-quality digital learning, educators need to know what programs work, whom those programs benefit and under what conditions the programs are most effective. 

SRI Education conducts large-scale, multisite evaluations to provide usable information on the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of digital learning programs. Our researchers combine rigorous quantitative designs, such as randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiments, with qualitative data collection and analysis to probe the results of digital learning programs or provide formative feedback to improve program design and implementation. We also conduct research to help clients build Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) evidence for their programs or products.

Learn more about SRI Education’s evaluations of digital learning programs:

• Evaluation of the Apple and ConnectED Initiative
• Khan Academy Evaluation
• OER Degree Initiative evaluation
• ASSISTments Efficacy & Replication Studies
• Evaluation of Rocketship Education’s Use of DreamBox Learning’s Online Mathematics Program 
• Next Generation Courseware Challenge Evaluation
• Blog: Can Adaptive Courseware Technology Positively Impact Student Learning Outcomes? 
• Ready to Learn Initiative (RTL) 
• Supporting Students in Online Learning
• TABLE – Technologies for Adult Basic Literacy
• Virtual Virginia Evaluation  
• Evaluation of Yixue Adaptive Learning 

Informed selection and implementation of educational technologies is critical because their effectiveness depends on how well they fit with context, users and learning goals. Leaders need to understand the organizational and systemic factors that aid or impede the successful rollout and scale-up of digital learning programs. 

SRI Education builds capacity in the field through technical assistance to support the implementation and evaluation of digital learning programs. Our experts produce guides, tools, and professional learning opportunities for educators seeking to adopt, expand, or sustain digital learning. We also support ed-tech developers to maximize their return on investment through data-informed designs and product testing. 

Learn more about SRI Education’s technical assistance for digital learning:

• REL Appalachia cost toolkit for supplemental online learning programs
• REL Appalachia train-the-trainer workshop series on effective remote instruction
• Ed Tech Rapid Cycle Evaluation Coach
• Postsecondary Teaching with Technology Collaborative 
• Evaluation of Apple and ConnectED Initiative

Classrooms today are diverse in racial and ethnic identities, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Yet systemic racism and inequities persist in our education system, magnified by the pandemic and shift to remote learning. Educators, policymakers and ed-tech developers need to understand and apply high-quality, culturally inclusive, and accessible digital learning to support diverse students. 

SRI Education explores ways to use technology to make learning accessible and relevant to all students’ individual learning approaches, cultural knowledge, and backgrounds. For example, we collaborate with other SRI divisions (computer vision, artificial intelligence, speech and natural language and robotics) to consider how we might apply our innovative technologies to enhance diagnosis and improve learning outcomes for students with disabilities. We also work with industry leaders to codesign and implement software and tools that support inclusion and positive outcomes for all students. 

Learn more about SRI Education’s projects to promote digital equity:

• OER Teaching & Learning Study
• Center on Inclusive Software for Learning (CISL)
• BIE distance learning study
• Supporting English Learners Through Technology  
• Evaluation of the Apple and ConnectED Initiative
• Kasi Learning System: Accessible Science Diagrams through Multisensory Augmented Reality  

More data on learning means educators need more time to review and understand how to use those data. Educators can benefit from automated processes that measure learning more frequently and produce streamlined and useable results, without taking away valuable instructional time. 

Through learning analytics, SRI Education analyzes and translates large amounts of data to help educators easily understand how students learn and optimize learning experiences. We explore ways to automate data collection and analysis so that the process is more accurate, less burdensome, less expensive and more useful for improvement. 

Learn more about SRI Education’s projects on technologies to measure learning:

• Automated collaboration assessment
• Technology to Review Online Videos for Education (TROVE) 
• NAEP process data
• SMARTalk
• EdSurge Concierge

Educators need new technologies that meaningfully engage students in learning challenging concepts and developing important skills. Also, educators can improve instruction and tailor supports by using technology-based formative assessments of students’ learning. 

SRI Education uses the science of learning to design dynamic technologies that support digital learning, especially for multilingual learners and students with low literacy skills. And we are a leader in applying evidence-centered design and validating innovative assessments that measure complex processes and proficiencies, such as computational thinking and collaboration. 

Learn more about SRI Education’s projects on learning technologies and assessments:

• Beats Empire Game
• Automated collaboration assessment
• Cybersecurity microlessons
• AR Mentor
• SunBay Digital Math