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Technology and Child Development: Evidence from the One Laptop per Child Program

Author

Listed:
  • Cristia, Julián P.

    () (Inter-American Development Bank)

  • Ibarrarán, Pablo

    () (Inter-American Development Bank)

  • Cueto, Santiago

    () (GRADE)

  • Santiago, Ana

    () (Inter-American Development Bank)

  • Severín, Eugenio

    () (Inter-American Development Bank)

Abstract

Although many countries are aggressively implementing the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) program, there is a lack of empirical evidence on its effects. This paper presents the impact of the first large-scale randomized evaluation of the OLPC program, using data collected after 15 months of implementation in 319 primary schools in rural Peru. The results indicate that the program increased the ratio of computers per student from 0.12 to 1.18 in treatment schools. This expansion in access translated into substantial increases in use both at school and at home. No evidence is found of effects on enrollment and test scores in Math and Language. Some positive effects are found, however, in general cognitive skills as measured by Raven's Progressive Matrices, a verbal fluency test and a Coding test.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristia, Julián P. & Ibarrarán, Pablo & Cueto, Santiago & Santiago, Ana & Severín, Eugenio, 2012. "Technology and Child Development: Evidence from the One Laptop per Child Program," IZA Discussion Papers 6401, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp6401
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    education; technology; experiments;

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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