Harouna Ba, research scientist at EDC’s Center for Children and Technology, has extensive experience in investigating the contexts of children’s development of digital literacy skills, and evaluation of the impact of complex multimedia and interdisciplinary programs in formal as well as informal educational settings.

Dr. Ba has explored the influence of different educational environments — school, home, after-school and community — on children's and adults' computing experiences. He also has investigated the relationship between underserved communities and technology in the United States. Through this research work, he has sought to help inform the processes that formal as well as informal institutions use to provide underserved children and adults with access to a range of quality technology-based educational resources. This work is being extensively referred to in the digital divide field, especially in college courses.

Harouna has designed, conducted and managed evaluation projects focused on the implementation of technology infrastructure and support in K-12 systems statewide and the use of technologies to enhance teaching practices and promote student learning. Through this evaluation work, he has devised rigorous quantitative and qualitative research designs and methodologies to document and measure project impact along a set of interrelated factors, such as technology tools, content and diverse social and physical contexts.

Harouna has an interdisciplinary educational background in the social sciences, with a special focus on children’s exploration of places and learning across multiple settings. He holds a doctorate in psychology from the City University of New York. He holds a Master of Philosophy in psychology from the Graduate School and University Center, a Master of Arts in psychology from Hunter College, and a Master of Philosophy in sociology from the University of Dakar.

---

Select External Writing

Ba, H.; Tally, B.; & Tsikalas, K. “Investigating Children’s Emerging Digital Literacies.” In Michael Russell (ed.) The Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment. MA: Boston College, Lynch School of Education. www.bc.edu/research/intasc/jtla/journal/v1n4.shtml (2002).

Ba, H., & Duchovnay, B. Science Education and Urban Youth: A look at the JASON Project in Philadelphia.” TechLearning Magazine, November 1, 2002. CMP Media, Inc.
www.techlearning.com/db_area/archives/WCE/archives/harouna2.html

Ba, H. “What is the Digital Divide?” On-line Journal of Institute for Democracy, Education & Access. CA: UCLA’s IDEA. (June, 2001). www.TeachingtoChangeLA.org

Ba, H. “Investigating Education Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa.” TechLearning Magazine, November 1, 2000. CMP Media, Inc. www.techlearning.com

Campbell, P., Wahl, E., Slater, M., Iler, E., Moeller, B., Ba, H. & Light, D. “Paths to success: An evaluation of the Gateway to Higher Education Program.” In Jane Bulter Kahle (Ed.) Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Technology, 1998, vol. 4 (2 & 3).

Bennett, D. & Ba, H. “Student’s voices on alternative assessment.” In Roger Holdsworth (ed.) Connect: Supporting student participation, (98), (pp. 14-16). Victoria, Australia: Roger Holdsworth Publisher. (April, 1996).

Bennett, D. & Ba, H. “Assessment through video: students make and use tapes to evaluate their own performances.” In M. Revenaugh (ed.) Electronic Learning: Your resource for technology & school change. NY: Scholastic Inc. (January, 1996).