Researching digital learning environments
The ubiquity of instruction conveyed through digital media brings extraordinary opportunities for research across the human sciences. Data from digital learning environments have the potential to enable major advances in our understanding of human interaction while informing the design of richer instructional opportunities. The Center for Advanced Research through Online Learning (CAROL) provides support for these endeavors.
What does CAROL do?
CAROL is a repository for the secure storage, curation and sharing of online learning data for purposes of scientific research. CAROL houses data derived from learning opportunities conveyed through several of Stanford's digital learning environments. Qualified researchers at Stanford and worldwide may apply for access to some of these data to pursue scientific inquiry.
CAROL is also a forum for the development of institutional, national and global policies for the ethical governance of research data produced in digital learning environments. CAROL works closely with faculty throughout Stanford and from other institutions to articulate protocols for the collection, use, and security of digital learning data. Our work is guided by the Asilomar Convention for Learning Research in Higher Education.
Governance
The work of CAROL is overseen by Stanford's intramural science governance system, which includes the VPTL Data Policy Working Group as well as Stanford University's offices of Research Compliance and General Counsel.
