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The impact of internet and computers on young minds: Evidence from rural Brazilian schools

Author

Listed:
  • Philipp Ehrl

    (Getulio Vargas Foundation, School of Public Policy and Government)

  • Carlos Charris

    (Catholic University of Brasilia)

  • Carlos Carrasco Gutierrez

    (Catholic University of Brasilia)

  • Ronaldo Da Silva

    (Catholic University of Brasilia)

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary results of a field experiment in which we tested how second to fifth graders respond to the use of computers with satellite internet connection at school. We collect data from one treated school, that received the new, self-sustained computer lab, and two controls - randomly selected from a group of rural school with similar characteristics. About half of the 310 participant students report not having used a computer before the intervention. We find that the computer lab increases the general preference for attending school and their engagement to asking questions and doing homework. This positive change in attitudes seems to explain why students in the treated school register a 15 percentage point increase in correct answers in language tests, while the effect is insignificant for math grades. Yet, these average treatment effects mask substantial heterogeneity between children. Among those who have not used a computer before the improvement in both math and language classes are strong and significant. Finally, the intervention helped develop computer skills for studying for exams and recreational activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Philipp Ehrl & Carlos Charris & Carlos Carrasco Gutierrez & Ronaldo Da Silva, 2025. "The impact of internet and computers on young minds: Evidence from rural Brazilian schools," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 45(1), pages 41-54.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-24-00534
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Malamud, Ofer & Cueto, Santiago & Cristia, Julian & Beuermann, Diether W., 2019. "Do children benefit from internet access? Experimental evidence from Peru," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 41-56.
    2. Yuki Higuchi & Miyuki Sasaki & Makiko Nakamuro, 2020. "Impacts of an Information and Communication Technology-Assisted Program on Attitudes and English Communication Abilities: An Experiment in a Japanese High School," Asian Development Review, MIT Press, vol. 37(2), pages 100-133, September.
    3. Bulman, G. & Fairlie, R.W., 2016. "Technology and Education," Handbook of the Economics of Education,, Elsevier.
    4. Thomas Fuchs & Ludger Wossmann, 2004. "Computers and student learning: bivariate and multivariate evidence on the availability and use of computers at home and at school," Brussels Economic Review, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles, vol. 47(3-4), pages 359-386.
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    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy

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