Three essays on ‘low-tech’ distance education

Globally, millions of children can’t access distance learning due to their poor access to typical technologies used for such programs. In this dissertation, I present design and evidence on the efficacy of two distance learning programs that can be delivered through widely accessible basic feature phones. I used simple calls for telementoring and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for broadcasting pre-recorded audio lessons. Using Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), I found that low-tech minimal educational services can be remarkably effective in improving cognitive and noncognitive outcomes of children, especially those who are academically weaker and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.