Enhancing cognitive function through ICT in low-SES Malaysian children

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Educational Technology
• Developmental Neuroscience

Background:

• Children from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds often face challenges in cognitive development.
• Executive functions (EF), including cognitive flexibility, are crucial for academic success and life outcomes.
• The impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on EF in vulnerable populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effect of the Program Titian Digital (PTD), an ICT initiative, on the executive functions of children from low SES backgrounds in Malaysia.
• To assess improvements in cognitive flexibility, planning skills, and reaction times following ICT intervention.
• To explore the potential of ICT to enhance cognitive development in educationally underserved communities.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was utilized with students aged 9-12 years from two rural Tamil vernacular schools.
• An intervention group received structured ICT training (PTD), while a control group did not.
• Executive function was measured using the Tower of London (ToL) task pre- and post-intervention, with ANCOVA for data analysis.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in executive function compared to the control group.
• Specific enhancements were observed in planning skills and overall cognitive performance.
• The results align with the neuroplasticity theory, indicating positive cognitive changes due to ICT exposure.

Conclusions:

• Structured ICT interventions like PTD can effectively enhance executive functions in children from low SES backgrounds.
• This study underscores the role of technology in cognitive empowerment and offers a model for educational policy.
• Findings suggest ICT initiatives can be a valuable tool for poverty alleviation strategies by boosting cognitive capabilities.