ERIC Number: ED672337
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jun
Pages: 57
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Can Brick Phones Bridge the Digital Learning Divide? Evidence from SMS-Based Math Practice. EdWorkingPaper No. 23-791
Torsten Figueiredo Walter; Guthrie Gray-Lobe; Sarah Kabay
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Hardware requirements are a barrier to widespread adoption of digital learning software among low-income populations. We investigate the demand among smallholder-farming households for a simple, adaptive math learning tool that can be accessed by widely available "brick" phones, and its effect on educational outcomes. Over a quarter of invited households used the tool, with greater demand among households lacking electricity, radios, or televisions. Usage was highest when schools were out of session. Engagement lapsed without regular reminders to use the service. Using random variation in access to the service, we find evidence that the platform increased test scores, school attendance, and grade attainment. Interpretation of these estimates is complicated by potentially endogenous outcome observation. [Support for this report was received from the Echidna Foundation, the Douglas B. Marshal, Jr. Family Foundation, Innovations for Poverty Action, and the Development Innovation Lab.]
Descriptors: Access to Computers, Handheld Devices, Telecommunications, Computer Uses in Education, Program Effectiveness, Tests, Scores, Attendance, Educational Attainment, Foreign Countries, Rural Schools, COVID-19, Pandemics, School Closing, Educational Technology, Elementary Education
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Identifiers - Location: Kenya
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A