Research Seminars in Economics: Ghazala Azmat (Paris Sciences Po): ICT and Student Learning - 5 October 2022

About the Event

This week the Research Seminars in Economics welcomes Ghazala Azmat (Paris Sciences Po).

If you would like to attend this seminar as a non-King's academic staff member, please contact economics.seminars@kcl.ac.uk.

ICT and Student Learning

Abstract: We study the impact of a large-scale educational Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) intervention in France on students’ outcomes. The Plan Numerique (or “Digital Plan”) program aimed to increase digital access in middle schools via the provision of mobile digital equipment (mainly laptops) to students for two years (from grade 7 to 9).

We use conditional random assignment into the Plan to causally identify access of ICT on students’ academic, digital and socio-cognitive skills, using rich administrative and survey data. We find a positive treatment effect on all academic skills, which is stronger in the second year and has a lasting, post-treatment effect. The effects on creativity and digital skills are more mixed. Generally, the treatment effect is stronger for students from lower socio-economic groups.