Experimental Evidence on the Effects of Home Computers on Academic Achievement among Schoolchildren

Robert Fairlie and Jonathan Robinson

American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 2013, vol. 5, issue 3, 211-40

Abstract: Computers are an important part of modern education, yet many schoolchildren lack access to a computer at home. We test whether this impedes educational achievement by conducting the largest-ever field experiment that randomly provides free home computers to students. Although computer ownership and use increased substantially, we find no effects on any educational outcomes, including grades, test scores, credits earned, attendance, and disciplinary actions. Our estimates are precise enough to rule out even modestly-sized positive or negative impacts. The estimated null effect is consistent with survey evidence showing no change in homework time or other "intermediate" inputs in education.

JEL-codes: I21 I24 J13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
Note: DOI: 10.1257/app.5.3.211
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (103)

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Working Paper: Experimental Evidence on the Effects of Home Computers on Academic Achievement among Schoolchildren (2013)
Working Paper: Experimental Evidence on the Effects of Home Computers on Academic Achievement among Schoolchildren (2013)
Working Paper: Experimental Evidence on the Effects of Home Computers on Academic Achievement among Schoolchildren (2013)
Working Paper: Experimental Evidence on the Effects of Home Computers on Academic Achievement among Schoolchildren (2013)
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