As a computer teacher in an urban high school, Dr. Barab had become interested in innovative uses of the computer both as an instructional tool and as an assessment device. His current work involves the design of rich learning environments, frequently with the aid of technology, that are designed to assist children in developing their own sense of purpose as individuals, as members of their communities, and as knowledgeable citizens of the world. His research has resulted of dozens of peer-reviewed articles, numerous chapters in edited books, and he is currently editor of a book exploring the topic of designing for online communities in the service of learning to appear in Cambridge University Press later this year.