TY  - JOUR
AB  - Hardware requirements are a barrier to widespread adoption of digital learning software among low-income populations. We investigate the demand among smallholder-farming households for a simple, adaptive math learning tool that can be accessed by widely available ``brick'' phones, and its effect on educational outcomes. Over a quarter of invited households used the tool, with greater demand among households lacking electricity, radios, or televisions. Usage was highest when schools were out of session. Engagement lapsed without regular reminders to use the service. Using random variation in access to the service, we find evidence that the platform increased test scores, school attendance, and grade attainment. Interpretation of these estimates is complicated by potentially endogenous outcome observation.
AU  - Figueiredo Walter, Torsten
AU  - Gray-Lobe, Guthrie 
AU  - Kabay, Sarah
PY  - 2023
ST  - Can brick phones bridge the digital learning divide? Evidence from SMS-based math practice
TI  - Can brick phones bridge the digital learning divide? Evidence from SMS-based math practice
UR  - http://www.edworkingpapers.com/ai23-791
ER  -