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What is the Terracotta Research Network?​
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The Terracotta Research Network, a brand new initiative to scale up in-classroom education research, is a multi-institutional testbed of instructors who conduct this type of research. Presently, the network is gathering innovative instructors to take part in our Spring 2027 pilot study exploring multimedia and AI-assisted learning (more details here). Future efforts will include studies created by teachers and researchers who are Terracotta Research Fellows.

What kinds of studies do teachers run with Terracotta?​

In Terracotta, teachers can change many aspects of their assignments and teaching materials, allowing for great flexibility in what they can manipulate between experimental conditions. For instance, teachers can add images and videos to their learning materials in the multimedia condition, and remove them from the control condition. Then, teachers can see whether students performed better or worse on future assessments as an outcome of their condition.​​

Why should I be part of the Terracotta Research Network?​

We will be running studies across institutions that will work to improve learning and increase educational impact. Being part of this research gives you the opportunity to claim some ownership of this research, whether it be through co-authorship or presentations. As a Terracotta Research Fellow, you will be part of a cohort of teachers and researchers working to build evidence of educational impact on a large scale.

What are some of the risks/costs of participating?​

The primary cost of using Terracotta is the additional effort required to learn the interface and create assignments within it, which will also involve corresponding with the research team. This team is ready and equipped to assist teachers throughout the process of setting up Terracotta experiments and assignments.

Are students at risk of learning less if they participate in a study?​

Typically, teachers use 2-4 assignments with experimental manipulation. This is generally a low dosage of assignments relative to the course. Additionally, it is often not required to change assignment content when adding the experimental manipulation. Some modifications, such as adding/removing media, may be required to fit the nature of the study conditions.​

How much modification do I need to do to my course?​

Study conditions will involve only pedagogically sound teaching styles and methods, mitigating risk for students. Conditions are designed to support effective learning and provide students with meaningful educational experiences. ​All studies will adhere to an IRB protocol, ensuring risk minimization and fairness in all aspects of the study.​ If your class participates, students will be presented with a consent form, making them aware of any potential risks to participating.

Am I/Is my course eligible?​

This network is a brand new initiative, so for the time being, we will be limiting entry to  select institutions. ​Your course should have an online assignment component​ or some learning activities that can be integrated into an online assignment​. In the future, the Terracotta Research Network will expand to include more institutions, targeting those that utilize Canvas and already have active Terracotta integrations.