Can Mobile Phones Improve Learning? Evidence from a Field Experiment in Niger

Jenny C. Aker, Christopher Ksoll () and Travis Lybbert

American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 2012, vol. 4, issue 4, 94-120

Abstract: The returns to educational investments hinge on whether such investments can improve the quality and persistence of educational gains. We report the results from a randomized evaluation of an adult education program in Niger, in which some students learned how to use simple mobile phones (Project ABC). Students in ABC villages achieved test scores that were 0.19-0.26 standard deviations higher than those in standard adult education classes, and standardized math test scores remained higher seven months after the end of classes. These results suggest that simple information technology can be harnessed to improve educational outcomes among rural populations. (JEL D83, I21, O15, O33)

JEL-codes: D83 I21 O15 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
Note: DOI: 10.1257/app.4.4.94
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (50)

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