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

Robert Fairlie and Jonathan Robinson

No 4128, CESifo Working Paper Series from CESifo

Abstract: Computers are an important part of modern education, yet large segments of the population – especially low-income and minority children – lack access to a computer at home. Does this impede educational achievement? We test this hypothesis by conducting the largest-ever field experiment involving the random provision of free computers for home use to students. 1,123 schoolchildren grades 6-10 in 15 California schools participated in the experiment. Although the program significantly increased computer ownership and use, we find no effects on any educational outcomes, including grades, standardized 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 for treatment students.

Keywords: computers; education; experiment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (103)

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Related works:
Journal Article: 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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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ces:ceswps:_4128

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