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Virtual Instruction effects within University Courses. A Boon for Those Who Need it, a Bane for Others

Author

Listed:
  • Manuel Flores

  • Mariana Gerstenblüth

  • Lucía Suárez

  • Luciana Cantera

Abstract

We examine the effects of virtual instruction on academic achievement at the Univer-sidad de la Rep´ublica, Uruguay, in 2022. We analyze student performance by considering the sequential nature of the evaluation process within the courses. Our results reveal that students in virtual courses are less likely to be active or achieve course approval. When possible, we use alternative identification strategies that show the stability of the estimated effects. We also find that the gap in the results is explained by the sequence of intermediate tests, which combine different performances in terms of retention and test scores. We highlight the importance of ef-fective targeting as the negative effects disappear for students facing constraints on attendance.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Flores & Mariana Gerstenblüth & Lucía Suárez & Luciana Cantera, 2024. "Virtual Instruction effects within University Courses. A Boon for Those Who Need it, a Bane for Others," Documentos de Trabajo (working papers) 0124, Department of Economics - dECON.
    • Handle: RePEc:ude:wpaper:0124
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    File URL: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12008/42547
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weili Ding & Steven F. Lehrer, 2010. "Estimating Treatment Effects from Contaminated Multiperiod Education Experiments: The Dynamic Impacts of Class Size Reductions," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 92(1), pages 31-42, February.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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