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Coronavirus pandemic, remote learning and education inequalities

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  • Bonacini, Luca
  • Murat, Marina

Abstract

By using PISA 2018 data, we investigate the associations between digital divides and educational inequalities in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. We find strong and significant cognitive losses of students lacking the resources needed to learn remotely; everything else given, they range from 25 to 70 percent of a school year. In Germany, Italy and France, where tracking between schools starts earlier, digital gaps are strongly associated with school types. They are also wider in urban areas, where the use of ICT resources is more widespread. Grades repetition in Spain is associated with the digital divide, while family characteristics matter in the United Kingdom. In the longer run, students who cannot learn remotely are more likely to repeat grades and end their education early, especially where grades repetition is more common: Spain, Germany, and Italy. Education policies should be designed accordingly.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonacini, Luca & Murat, Marina, 2021. "Coronavirus pandemic, remote learning and education inequalities," GLO Discussion Paper Series 679 [rev.], Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:679r
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    2. van Cappelle, Frank & Chopra, Vidur & Ackers, Jim & Gochyyev, Perman, 2021. "An analysis of the reach and effectiveness of distance learning in India during school closures due to COVID-19," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    3. Bonacini, Luca, 2020. "Unequal effects of the economic cycle on human capital investment. Evidence from Italian panel data," GLO Discussion Paper Series 733, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    4. Mahnoosh Hassankhani & Mehdi Alidadi & Ayyoob Sharifi & Abolghasem Azhdari, 2021. "Smart City and Crisis Management: Lessons for the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-18, July.
    5. Cristian Barra & Marinella Boccia, 2022. "What matters in educational performance? Evidence from OECD and non-OECD countries," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 56(6), pages 4335-4394, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital divide; education inequalities; educational systems; remote learning; PI;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education

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