Chile’s Free PC Programs For Low Income Children Questioned
A recent study suggests that government programs offering free computers to low income
students, such as Chile’s “Yo eligo mi PC” program, may in fact yield disappointing results.
While students improved their ability to search for information, their performance on math and
language tests decreased, according to research by Columbia University and the University of
Chicago.
The study evaluated the efficacy of a Romanian government program, “Euro 200,” the
equivalent of the Chile’s “Yo eligo mi PC.” The program distributes free computers to students
from low-income families in hopes of reducing the education gap between socioeconomic
classes.
The study found that the students used the computers more for entertainment than for
schoolwork. While students appeared to improve cognitive skills, such as research abilities and
idea association, students received lower grades for both language and mathematics.
Only nine percent of the recipients of computers downloaded the free educational programs, and
just one percent of students used the education programs every day. One fifth of the students
reported playing video games every day. Researchers concluded that the time spent in front of
the computer replaced time spent watching television or doing homework for the students.
Other critics of the program have pointed out that computers also discourage the participation of
parents, who may be unfamiliar with the technology.
Unlike the Romanian program, Chile’s “Yo eligo mi PC” considers a student’s grades before
awarding the families free computers, assuring that the students retain higher academic level
performance. Founded in 2009, the program hopes to perfect other models by including
computers programs for parents and by improving education programs that will encourage
greater use by students.
“Yo eligo mi PC” has distributed 150,000 computers since its launch.
SOURCE: LA TERCERA
By Tatiana Cary ( editor@santiagotimes.cl This e-mail address is being protected from
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