ICT and Internet Usage among Kosovar Students: The Impact of Trends on Achievement in the PISA Scales

Abstract

The current analysis aims to research the impact of ICT usage on students’ achievement in the 2018 PISA assessment, specifically achievement in mathematics, science and reading scales. In this assessment, a total of 5,058 randomly selected students from 224 schools across Kosovo took part in the study. In addition, to the subscales assessing reading, mathematics and science achievement, participants also completed a variety of questionnaires developed by OECD to assess perceptions, socioeconomic factors and classroom/school contexts, among others. Current study analysis reveals the link between achievement and ICT usage among students, such as using computers for research, reading news, learning something new, and reading emails, among others. In a developing country where the achievement gap between students is increasing rapidly it is crucial to understand how access to resources hinders equity. Results indicate that access to the internet and computers at home links to higher achievement. However, Kosovar students tend to use technology and the internet mainly to chat with friends, and significantly less for learning something new or for doing homework. Gender differences are evident, with female students reporting a lower online presence. In conclusion, Kosovar students use computers and the internet mainly for entertainment and not for learning, which suggests that achievement cannot be attributed to ICT access and/or use.