Researching individual differences in self-regulated learning with digital tools

This special issue, “Individual Differences in Self-Regulated Learning Across the Lifespan,” published nine articles on research leveraging digital tools to investigate intersections of individual differences and self-regulated learning (SRL). My commentary begins with a brief and selective summary of each article in this collection. This forms a backdrop for analyses that follow. A first topic is considering how individual differences contribute to SRL. Key issues in this context are, first, problems arising when theorizing about SRL (and other constructs) when data describing individual differences are aggregate proxy variables; and, second, adopting a valid perspective about an individual difference as a moderator or mediator of SRL. Several challenges and benefits of using digital tools for research in this arena are noted, and proposals are explored for meeting challenges. A perspective on future research is offered.