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

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.