Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/69985 
Year of Publication: 
2013
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 4128
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
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.
Subjects: 
computers
education
experiment
JEL: 
I24
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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