ExploreLearning understands that research is critical to ensure our STEM solutions are designed to solve actual problems within the learning environment. Designing evidence-based edtech products with insights about challenges faced by students, teachers, and administrators makes our suite of tools effective and user-friendly.
Explore how our edtech resources are transforming learning outcomes through critical research, surveys, and insights from 2024.
Why evidence-based research matters in education technology
There’s no shortage of products in the current edtech market. Finding education technology with the research and results to validate the usage time in already packed school days is critical. Using the wrong edtech resources, such as those that rely on outdated or low-quality research, can exacerbate existing disparities, leaving struggling students—often from marginalized backgrounds—further behind their peers and widening inequities in educational outcomes.
Selecting the right program can make the difference between a student learning to love academics and propelling them towards proficiency, or remaining behind their peers and continuing to struggle. Ongoing efficacy research should be a priority for any edtech company.
ExploreLearning’s approach to efficacy and outcomes
ExploreLearning’s research team conducts rigorous studies to ensure that our math and science solutions demonstrate research-proven methods and innovative technology to support and enhance data-driven education in the classroom. Dr. Megan Conrad, Senior Researcher at ExploreLearning, said, “Research is crucial for demonstrating that our programs are delivering meaningful results and for giving teachers and administrators confidence that they made the right choice and are using their limited time and financial resources efficiently.”
Helping educators find and evaluate research-proven edtech
How can teachers, school leaders, and administrators make sure that they are selecting the right products? Products often state that they are “research-based,” but understanding the research and how they evaluate the tool may not always be easy.
Dr. Conrad authored “Measuring Impact,” a 5-part research article and video series designed to help teachers and administrators find and evaluate edtech product efficacy. Throughout the series, Dr. Conrad discussed the importance of high-quality research for classroom-based edtech, and the ways that ExploreLearning is here to help make understanding this evidence easier.
- Part 1: Measuring Impact: Navigating High-Quality Research for Educators
- Part 2: High-Quality Edtech Research: What Is It & Why It Matters
- Part 3: Evaluating The Impact Of Edtech Programs
- Part 4: Using Data for Continuous Product Development
- Part 5: Securing Rigorous Research from Edtech Vendors: What It Takes
Prioritizing data security and privacy in our edtech solutions
ExploreLearning takes information security seriously and works proactively to ensure our resources are built with high-standard data security measures. This is crucial to providing safe learning environments. ExploreLearning earned ISO 27001:2013 certification for our Information Security Management System (ISMS). This certifies that ExploreLearning applications conform to this internationally recognized information security standard in managing and safeguarding sensitive data. Certification reflects our comprehensive implementation of strong data security practices and controls that safeguard K-12 educational data.
Importance of evidence and validation
Evidence about our product’s efficacy for supporting students does not come from just our internal research team. We know that third-party evidence and validation is critical when evaluating and selecting tools. We actively collaborate with external non-profit and academic research teams, who have independently verified these findings.
Earlier this year, Gizmos, Reflex, and Frax were among the very first products awarded Digital Promise ESSA Tier 3 Product Certification Badges, and Gizmos remains the only science product to earn this distinction. Instructure and LXD Research have both independently verified Frax research, certifying our studies as meeting both ESSA Tier 3 and Tier 2 criteria. ExploreLearning products also earned Silver Badges in Efficacy and Effectiveness from the International Certification of Evidence of Impact in Education (ICEIE). These recognitions spotlight ExploreLearning’s commitment to creating and continuously enhancing evidence-based learning solutions.
12 research moments and insights from ExploreLearning in 2024
ExploreLearning is committed to creating learning experiences you know you can count on. Browse our research studies, surveys, and insights behind STEM solutions that are as effective as they are fun
Reflex Product Efficacy Research
Adaptive and individualized, Reflex is the most effective system for mastering basic math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division for grades 2+.
- Survey Results: Reflex Improves Fluency, Motivation, and Confidence
User feedback surveys conducted in May 2024 revealed high levels of satisfaction with Reflex. Nearly all teachers reported increased engagement, motivation, and a growth mindset in their students, and 100% said they would recommend Reflex to their colleagues. - Reflex Supports Achievement of Grade-Level Math Proficiency: Evidence from over 35,000 Elementary School Students’ State Math Scores
This study compared schools with high and low usage of Reflex within one of the largest school districts in the US. Schools with high Reflex usage showed significantly higher performance on the end-of-year state math test than schools with low Reflex usage across grades 3-5, with more students meeting or exceeding grade-level proficiency. Schools with high Reflex usage exceeded the state average passing rates, while low-usage schools underperformed. - Efficacy Research Summary: Evidence that Reflex Works Several research studies conducted by university-affiliated researchers over the past 10+ years have demonstrated the efficacy of Reflex. ExploreLearning also works with district research partners and third-party evaluators to conduct product efficacy evaluations that meet the criteria for ESSA levels of evidence. Together, this research demonstrates the significant, positive impacts of Reflex on math fact accuracy, math achievement scores, and positive attitudes toward math.
Frax Product Efficacy Research
Game-based and story-driven, Frax meets students where they are and stops the fractions struggle, putting students on a path to ongoing success in higher mathematics.
- Frax improves fractions knowledge for 3rd-5th grade students (Year 2 Follow-up of ESSA Tier II Study of matched students)
ExploreLearning has been partnering with a large, suburban Florida school district since 2021 to measure the impact of using Frax on students’ fractions knowledge and overall math achievement. Our current study found that the achievement gains associated with Frax usage in year one were sustained, as measured via performance on a standards achievement test in Year 2. Importantly, students in grades 4 and 5 who used Frax in Year 2 also showed achievement gains, fully catching up to or exceeding their peers and closing any achievement gaps observed in Year 1. - Frax Significantly Boosts Math Achievement for All 3rd Graders
A study of over 3,700 students showed larger improvements in overall math performance for Frax users compared to similar peers who did not use Frax. What else? Frax usage also resulted in higher fractions performance, with significantly more students meeting or exceeding state proficiency standards. Frax was found to be a universal support for math achievement. - Frax Improves Math Proficiency for Learners Who Struggle in Math
A two-year study of 3rd and 4th grade “struggling students” (students scoring two or more grade levels below their peers) found that students who used Frax were 2x more likely to achieve on-grade level status than non-users, regardless of when Frax usage occurred. This highlights the power of Frax Sector 1 both as a preparation program for fractions in 3rd grade AND as an intervention tool in 4th grade to help at-risk students achieve proficiency in math.
Frax + Reflex Product Efficacy Research
Math facts and fractions are two areas where young math students struggle the most. Reflex (for math facts) and Frax (for fractions) develop this critical knowledge in a fun and effective way.
- Unlocking Potential: Evidence of Reflex and Frax Benefits for 2nd and 3rd Graders Struggling in Math (Grade-Level Proficiency 2.5x More Likely with Reflex and Frax)
The two-year longitudinal study examined a cohort of 807 students in a large, suburban school district. 78% of students were economically disadvantaged, and all students scored two or more years below grade level in math at the start of grade 2. Researchers evaluated differences in math standards performance and learning outcomes from fall 2021 to spring 2023 using diagnostic math benchmark assessment scores administered at the beginning and end of the academic years. The results reveal the significantly positive impact of Reflex and Frax on student achievement. - Reflex and Frax Boost Math Achievement in District's First Year
Grandville Public Schools, a large, suburban school district in Michigan, implemented Frax and Reflex for the first time during the 2023-2024 school year. We analyzed the impact of usage on math achievement on the NWEA MAP Math Growth Assessment. The district, which had a high fidelity implementation, saw notably higher fall–spring growth achievement in the 2023-2024 school year than the previous school year. In all grades, at least 2x more students demonstrated high growth compared to the previous year. Additionally, academically at-risk students who used Frax were significantly more likely to move to grade-level proficiency compared to similar peers with no Frax usage.
Gizmos Product Efficacy Research
Gizmos bring math and science to life with a library of over 550 virtual simulations and labs. STEM Cases put students in the role of STEM professionals tasked with solving real-world problems.
- Survey Results: Gizmos Improve Student Science Knowledge, Curiosity, and Confidence
Teacher surveys conducted in May 2024 revealed high satisfaction levels with Gizmos. Teachers value Gizmos for their ability to engage students, enhance curriculum, and provide practical, interactive learning experiences that might not be feasible in a traditional classroom setting. As a result of using Gizmos, teachers reported increased engagement, curiosity, and confidence in their students. Additionally, 98% of the teachers said they would recommend Gizmos to their colleagues. - Gizmos and STEM Cases Deliver Transformative Impacts: Qualitative Survey Results
In December 2023, ExploreLearning surveyed teachers in the Collab Crew, a group of educators working alongside our Design and Research teams for math and science edtech solutions to transform teaching and learning. The powerful results show a variety of ways teachers, curriculum coordinators, and administrators use Gizmos and STEM Cases in classrooms to impact student learning. - ESSA Study: Gizmos Usage Leads to Positive Assessment Results
Our latest efficacy study analyzed the relationship between using Gizmos virtual simulations and students’ statewide end-of-year science assessment performance. During the 2022-2023 school year, a correlational (ESSA Tier 3) study compared school-level data on the frequency and quality of Gizmos usage with performance on a standards-based state assessment for 8th-grade school students in a large, urban district with high levels of ethnic and socioeconomic status (SES) diversity. The sample consisted of nearly 1,200 8th-grade students across 23 schools. - This correlational (ESSA Tier 3) study compared school-level data on the frequency of Gizmos usage and performance on the NGSS-aligned California Science Test (CAST) for high school students. The sample consisted of aggregated data from over 21,000 students attending 93 different schools. The results show that increased usage of Gizmos was significantly related to improved student achievement on the CAST assessment.
Educator testimonials on ExploreLearning’s effectiveness
Edtech in the classroom enhances lesson plans and offers alternative strategies to traditional paper and pencil work. But, the difference it makes for teachers' and students' learning experiences is critical. The research behind ExploreLearning products supports what educators see every day.
Looking ahead: The future of research in education technology
The future of edtech will aim to create engaging and effective learning resources for students of all abilities. This includes artificial intelligence (AI), gamification, adaptive learning platforms, data privacy, and accessibility. Teacher training and professional development also play essential roles, with the goals of increased motivation and improved learning outcomes in mind.
Discover the ExploreLearning difference in your classroom
“Research is at the heart of every step in the product design process, and we use multiple methods and data sources to ensure high-quality research that focuses on practical outcomes,” said Dr. Conrad. That focus remains at the forefront of product development at ExploreLearning so that teachers – and students! – continue to count on STEM resources that are effective and fun. Find out more about the ExploreLearning difference from Dr. Conrad!
Discover more from Dr. Conrad!
The research defines the value of ExploreLearning products, specifically increased student engagement, motivation, and confidence. Are you ready to try one and see the difference of proven edtech evidence with your students? Discover the best option for your classroom and start a trial today.