Use web-based educational platforms to run individual-level randomized experiments in the classroom¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The authors propose that web-based platforms such as learning management systems and MOOCs make individual-level randomization, the core of high-quality RCTs, much easier because personalizing an individual's experience is easier than in traditional formats. They argue "a similar study design could be used to investigate other questions as well" and that the transformational impact of such tools may be their ability to facilitate classroom experiments.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A web-based platform capable of personalizing individual students' experiences (e.g., assigning different treatment conditions per student).

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• students in large college classes and MOOCs

Target Learning Goals¶

• any learning outcome measurable through platform-delivered assessments

Related Strategies¶

• Leverage digital learning platforms to run unobtrusive randomized experiments on language modifications in math problems

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Sun DL, Harris N, Walther G, Baiocchi M (2015) Peer Assessment Enhances Student Learning: The Results of a Matched Randomized Crossover Experiment in a College Statistics Class. PLoS ONE 10(12): e0143177. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0143177