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Smart classrooms and education outcomes: Evidence from Rwanda

Author

Listed:
  • Nganga, Muthoni
  • Nsabimana, Aimable
  • Niyizamwiyitira, Christine

Abstract

This study explores the impact of a Smart Classroom (SCM) program on student performance in science subjects on a high-stakes national exam for lower-secondary school students in Rwanda. To do this, we leverage plausibly exogenous variations in program exposure resulting from the staggered implementation of the SCM reform across schools and students. Overall, the study finds a positive effect of the program on student performance. Specifically, we find that the SCM program has positive and significant effects on student performance in physics, biology, and geography, albeit small in magnitude. However, no effect was found for mathematics or chemistry. Our results also suggest that, while classroom technology can enhance learning, such effects may only be realized after a long exposure period.

Suggested Citation

  • Nganga, Muthoni & Nsabimana, Aimable & Niyizamwiyitira, Christine, 2026. "Smart classrooms and education outcomes: Evidence from Rwanda," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:110:y:2026:i:c:s0272775725001165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2025.102736
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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