Upgrading Education with Technology: Insights from Experimental Research

Maya Escueta, Andre Joshua Nickow, Philip Oreopoulos and Vincent Quan

Journal of Economic Literature, 2020, vol. 58, issue 4, 897-996

Abstract: In recent years, there has been widespread interest around the potential for technology to transform learning. As investment in education technology continues to grow, students, parents, and teachers face a seemingly endless array of education technologies from which to choose—from digital personalized learning platforms to online courses to text message reminders to submit financial aid forms. Amid the excitement, it is important to step back and understand how technology can help—or in some cases hinder—learning. This review article synthesizes and discusses rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of technology-based approaches to education in developed countries and outlines areas for future inquiry. In particular, we examine randomized controlled trials and regression discontinuity studies across the following categories of education technology: (i) access to technology, (ii) computer-assisted learning, (iii) technology-enabled behavioral interventions in education, and (iv) online learning. We hope this synthesis will advance academic understanding of how technology can improve education, outline key areas for new experimental research, and help drive improvements to the policies, programs, and structures that contribute to successful teaching and learning.

JEL-codes: H52 H75 I20 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (41)

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DOI: 10.1257/jel.20191507

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