Can technology overcome social disadvantage and improve learning outcomes? Evidence from a largescale experiment in India

Description

Poor learning outcomes in developing countries are largely attributed to the low quality of teaching inputs in schools, primarily due to a shortage of adequately trained teachers and widespread teacher absenteeism. Children from socially disadvantaged groups are particularly affected, as this lack of resources compounds existing discrimination in classrooms. Computer technology offers a potential solution to these challenges by providing high-quality educational content. We conduct a large-scale randomized field experiment across 1,823 rural government schools in Karnataka, India, where satellite–terrestrial technology is used to deliver additional interactive classes. The results indicate that this intervention has a positive impact on student performance. Importantly, the technology is found to be non-discriminatory and helps reduce the educational attainment gap between socially disadvantaged students and others. In particular, girls from disadvantaged groups benefit the most from this intervention.

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Keywords

Information and communication technology, ICT, Field experiment, Education, Computer technology, Government policy

Conference

15th March, 2016, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata

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