Investigating the Impact of ICT on Mathematics Performance Among Students in South-East Asian Countries: Insights From PISA 2018 Data

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on students' performance in mathematics across six South-East Asian countries, utilizing the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data. The research focuses on data from the 2018 PISA wave and includes six countries: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. A multivariate linear regression analysis reveals that several factors significantly impact mathematics achievement, including economic, social, and cultural status (ESCS); the proportion of female students; and ICT-related variables such as computer availability and internet connectivity. Results indicate that higher ESCS and a greater proportion of female students correlate positively with higher PISA mathematics scores. The findings suggest that enhancing ICT resources in schools, as well as improving ICT-related home possessions, can lead to better educational outcomes in mathematics. This research highlights the critical role of ICT in fostering academic achievement and calls for policies that prioritize ICT integration in education.