International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 10, No. 2 (2014)

The Effect of Using XO Computers on Students’ Mathematics and Reading Abilities: Evidences from Learning Achievement Tests Conducted in Primary Education Schools in Mongolia

Shinobu Yamaguchi, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Javzan Sukhbaatar, Institute of Finance and Economics
Jun-ichi Takada, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Khishigbuyan Dayan-Ochir, World Bank Mongolia

Abstract
In 2008, Mongolia took part in One Laptop per Child (OLPC) project. Since that time, over 10,000 students in grades 2-5 in 43 primary education schools are using XO computers. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted in 2012 to evaluate the impact of the OLPC initiatives on students’ literacy and math skills. This study covered 14 primary schools, of which 7 received XO computers and other 7 did not receive XOs. The schools were located in four provinces and two districts of Ulaanbaatar city of Mongolia. Over 2,000 5th grade students in these 14 schools were tested on Math and Reading skills, based on items from the 2008 National Primary Education Assessment. In addition to these tests, students were asked to respond to a questionnaire, which consisted of demographic and ICT-related questions and computer attitude measure for young student instrument. The findings of the study indicate that the use of XO may have enhanced students reading skills controlling for students gender, math scores, and hours spent for watching TV, doing homework and earning money.

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