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Technology Attenuates the Impact of Heat on Learning. Evidence from Colombia

Author

Listed:
  • Villalobos, Laura

    (Department of Economics and Finance, and Department of Environmental Studies, Salisbury University)

  • Gomez, Julian D.

    (Universidad de Los Andes)

  • Garcia, Jorge H.

    (Universidad de Los Andes)

Abstract

High temperatures hinder learning. An e ective solution is to control the environment. However, technologies such as air conditioning are seldom adopted in developing countries. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are more widely available and could o er an alternative solution by increasing the amount of instruction, allowing the re-allocation of activities, boosting productivity, or improving the quality of instruction. Using data from Colombia, we con rm that heat a ects test scores, and we show that ICTs compensate up to 15 percent of this e ect when used by teachers to teach and for pedagogic purposes.

Suggested Citation

  • Villalobos, Laura & Gomez, Julian D. & Garcia, Jorge H., 2023. "Technology Attenuates the Impact of Heat on Learning. Evidence from Colombia," EfD Discussion Paper 23-6, Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:gunefd:2023_006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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