Impact of Connectivity on Learning Outcomes

The project proposes a framework for measuring the impact of school internet connectivity on learning outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using administrative records on student test scores and the timing of school-level internet rollout, the study estimates the average effect of connectivity on test scores, examines heterogeneity in outcomes, and explores potential mechanisms. Positive but context-dependent effects are expected. 

Evidence on the effects of school internet access comes mainly from high-income countries and shows mixed results. In low- and middle-income countries, potential gains may be larger but remain insufficiently documented. Outcomes depend on how and why the internet is used and may vary by gender, socioeconomic background, and prior achievement (Vigdor et al., 2014; Malamud et al., 2019; Thiessen & Looker, 2007; Bohnert & Gracia, 2023). This study develops a framework for estimating the effect of school connectivity on student test scores, examining average effects, variation across students and contexts, underlying mechanisms, and changes over time following school connection.