Terracotta

Product or Programme · All products and programmes
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 2 studies (1 causal, 1 design), q1–q3 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

Terracotta is a software tool developed by the article's researchers that integrates with Canvas to automate consent, random assignment, data collection, and de-identified exports for embedded learning experiments.

Components

• Canvas/Terracotta: LMS-embedded tool for randomized experiments within regular instruction: Terracotta "integrates with the Canvas learning management system (LMS) and makes it possible to embed controlled experiments in Canvas assignments." It automates informed-consent or assent assignments, randomizes consenting students to conditions, collects data automatically, and produces de-identified standardized csv exports including clickstream data and end-of-unit assessment scores. The article uses it to illustrate a within-subjects 2x2 experiment manipulating context and detail in weekly practice question sets. (Language and Mathematics Learning: A Comparative Study of Digital Learning Platforms)

Claims

• In a Terracotta study across classes, retrieval practice review outperformed restudy review on subsequent exams [+M]
• Working a research scenario against a DLP surfaced concrete platform needs: adding measures, linking observational data, and enabling districtwide studies [+W]

Related Products and Programmes

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Key Sources

• Wei, X., Wortman, A., Cheng, L., Heffernan, N., Heffernan, C., Murphy, A., Zepeda, C., Motz, B., Jankowski, H., & Roschelle, J. (2024, March). Language and mathematics learning: A comparative study of digital learning platforms. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/206
• Manai, J., & Roschelle, J. (2024, November). Connecting SEERNet and Improvement Science to Pursue Better Outcomes in Schools. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/234

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	product
id	terracotta
title	Terracotta
description	Terracotta is a software tool developed by the article's researchers that integrates with Canvas to automate consent, random assignment, data collection, and de-identified exports for embedded learning experiments.
status	review
moved_from	element/canvas-terracotta-experiment-tool, element/terracotta-canvas-research-platform
product_kind	software
generated	by process:sweep-kinds on 2026-10-10
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	2 — wei-x-wortman-a-cheng, manai-j-roschelle-j

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