Diminishing Marginal Returns to Computer-Assisted Learning

Eric Bettinger, Robert Fairlie, Anastasia Kapuza, Elena Kardanova, Prashant Loyalka and Andrey Zakharov

No 26967, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: The previous expansion of EdTech as a substitute for traditional learning around the world, the recent full-scale substitution due to COVID-19, and potential future shifts to blended approaches suggest that it is imperative to understand input substitutability between in-person and online learning. We explore input substitutability in education by employing a novel randomized controlled trial that varies dosage of computer-assisted learning (CAL) as a substitute for traditional learning through homework. Moving from zero to a low level of CAL, we find positive substitutability of CAL for traditional learning. Moving from a lower to a higher level of CAL, substitutability changes and is either neutral or even negative. The estimates suggest that a blended approach of CAL and traditional learning is optimal. The findings have direct implications for the rapidly expanding use of educational technology worldwide prior to, during and after the pandemic.

JEL-codes: F63 I25 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-edu
Note: CH DEV ED LS PE PR
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

Published as Eric Bettinger & Robert Fairlie & Anastasia Kapuza & Elena Kardanova & Prashant Loyalka & Andrey Zakharov, 2023. "Diminishing Marginal Returns to Computer‐Assisted Learning," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, vol 42(2), pages 552-570.

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.nber.org/papers/w26967.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
Journal Article: Diminishing Marginal Returns to Computer‐Assisted Learning (2023)
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nbr:nberwo:26967

Ordering information: This working paper can be ordered from
http://www.nber.org/papers/w26967

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc National Bureau of Economic Research, 1050 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A.. Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by ().