Bridging the digital divide: Experimental evidence from India

This study explores two interventions to bridge the digital divide during the COVID-19 pandemic. One group received free access to a learning platform, while the other group also received tablets and internet access. Providing only platform access had minimal impact, while tablet recipients initially used the platform but their usage declined. After seven months, children in the treated villages scored lower in math and Tamil compared to the control group. The study emphasizes the need for supervision to maintain engagement during school closures.