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Delivering Remote Learning Using a Low-Tech Solution: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Liang Choon Wang
  • Michael Vlassopoulos
  • Asad Islam
  • Hashibul Hassan

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused prolonged school closures worldwide, disproportionately affecting children in resource-poor settings. To address this, we implemented an educational intervention delivering audio lessons via mobile phones, employing interactive voice response (IVR) technology. Our randomized intervention involved 1,763 primary school children across 90 villages in Bangladesh during the 2021 COVID-19 school closures. The intervention improved literacy and numeracy test scores by 0.60 SD, particularly benefiting academically weaker students and those with less educated caregivers. Our results highlight the potential of this scalable and low-cost intervention to address learning deficits among marginalized students in similar contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang Choon Wang & Michael Vlassopoulos & Asad Islam & Hashibul Hassan, 2024. "Delivering Remote Learning Using a Low-Tech Solution: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Bangladesh," Journal of Political Economy Microeconomics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 2(3), pages 562-601.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jpemic:doi:10.1086/730456
    DOI: 10.1086/730456
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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