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Computers and student learning: bivariate and multivariate evidence on the availability and use of computers at home and at school

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  • Thomas Fuchs
  • Ludger Wossmann

Abstract

We estimate the relationship between computers and students’ educational achievement in the international student-level PISA database. Bivariate analyses show a positive correlation between achievement and computer availability both at home and at school. However, once we control extensively for family background and school characteristics, the relationship gets negative for home computers and insignificant for school computers. Thus, mere availability of computers at home seems to distract students from effective learning. But achievement shows a positive conditional relationship with computer use for education and communication at home and an inverted U-shaped relationship with computer and internet use at school.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Fuchs & Ludger Wossmann, 2004. "Computers and student learning: bivariate and multivariate evidence on the availability and use of computers at home and at school," Brussels Economic Review, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles, vol. 47(3-4), pages 359-386.
    • Handle: RePEc:bxr:bxrceb:y:2004:v:47:i:3-4:p:359-385
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Computers at home; computers at school; student achievement; educational production; PISA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General

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