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

44 Pages Posted: 23 Feb 2013

See all articles by Robert W. Fairlie

Robert W. Fairlie

UCLA; National Bureau of Economic Research

Jonathan Robinson

University of California, Santa Cruz

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

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

JEL Classification: I24

Suggested Citation

Fairlie, Robert W. and Robinson, Jonathan, Experimental Evidence on the Effects of Home Computers on Academic Achievement Among Schoolchildren. IZA Discussion Paper No. 7211, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2223118 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2223118

Robert W. Fairlie (Contact Author)

UCLA ( email )

405 Hilgard Avenue
Box 951361
Los Angeles, CA 90095
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research ( email )

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
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HOME PAGE: http://www.nber.org/people/robert_fairlie?page=1&perPage=50

Jonathan Robinson

University of California, Santa Cruz ( email )

1156 High St
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
United States

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