1. A computer-implemented method for generating role-based histories in a modular learning system, the method comprising: maintaining an activities items database including activity items reflecting activities performed in the modular learning system; receiving, from a viewing user, a history items display request specifying a requested user whose history is requested and a user role of the viewing user; validating the user role associated with the history items display request is a user role associated with the viewing user in a user database; determining whether the viewing user is the requested user; determining a user role associated with the requested user; responsive to a determination that the viewing user is not the requested user, providing for display a history access request to the requested user; responsive to approval by the requested user, retrieving activity items from the activities items database relevant to the user role associated with the requested user; further responsive to approval by the requested user, generating history items based on the retrieved items, the generated history items based on the viewing user's user role; and providing for display requested history items to the viewing user.