ICT use and student achievement: Evidence from PIRLS 2021 using machine learning techniques

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 7:45am
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Statistical Theory, Quantitative Methods and Applications

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on analyzing the relationship between ICT use in different contexts and student achievement in reading comprehension. We exploit the information provided by PIRLS 2021 on the frequency with which students and teachers employ digital devices at home and in the classroom, respectively, using different machine learning techniques. Recent developments in machine learning have expanded the focus from pure prediction to providing valuable explanatory insights and even to identify potential causal relationships and heterogeneous effects among distinct groups within our sample. The results suggest that a more intense use of ICT at home has positive effects on reading achievement, while the relationship is negative for variables representing ICT use in the classroom.

Authors

• Jose Manuel Cordero, Universidad de Extremadura

• Víctor España, Universidad Miguel Hernández

• María Gil-Izquierdo, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid

• Lucia Mateos-Romero, Universidad de Extremadura