Dr. Ba is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK). He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Central China Normal University and was a visiting scholar in the Department of Educational Studies at The Ohio State University during his doctoral studies. Before joining EdUHK, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Part-Time Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at The University of Hong Kong (HKU).

Dr. Ba’s research focuses on the intersection of education and information technology, with an emphasis on advancing online and blended learning environments. He leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and learning analytics to analyze multimodal data, such as text, speech, gestures, and interaction logs, to gain deeper insights into cognitive, emotional, and social processes in collaborative learning. By integrating the Community of Inquiry framework with innovative methodologies like quantitative ethnography, his work seeks to enhance collaborative inquiry, enabling learners to co-construct knowledge while fostering meaningful learning experiences. A significant aspect of his research includes designing AI-driven systems for developmental learning assessment and personalized feedback, creating dynamic, real-time mechanisms to support self-regulated learning and improve group engagement.

With a strong interdisciplinary focus, Dr. Ba bridges educational technologies, data analytics, and pedagogy to address critical challenges in modern education. His work contributes to the development of transformative approaches for understanding and improving how learners interact, collaborate, and grow in digital learning environments.

Research Projects (as Principal Investigator):

• Early Career Scheme (2026–2028): "From analytics to actions: Enhancing feedback practices in inquiry-based discussion through prescriptive network analytics," funded with HK$942,000.
• EdUHK x HKUST Joint Centre for Artificial Intelligence (2025–2027): "Harnessing multi-agent simulations to enhance university students’ collaborative inquiry skills," funded with HK$484,652.
• Additional Funding Resources for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Projects (2024–2026): "Leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence to Scaffold Collaborative Inquiry Based on Learning Analytics Insights," funded with HK$800,000.
• Teaching Development Grant (2024–2025): "Enhancing formative assessment and feedback in collaborative inquiries with an AI-powered analytical module," funded with HK$400,000.
• Start-up Research Grant (2024–2025): "Exploring the usage and effectiveness of GAI in university students’ inquiry-based learning," funded with HK$199,993.

Dr. Ba is actively seeking motivated Ph.D. and EdD students, as well as research assistants, to join his team and collaborate on cutting-edge research in these areas (last updated on June 30, 2025).

• Analyzing multimodal data (e.g., text, speech, gestures, and visual artifacts) through advanced learning analytics techniques to understand, assess, and optimize the processes of collaborative inquiry;
• Fostering effective collaborative learning environments using the Community of Inquiry framework, emphasizing cognitive, social, and teaching presences, and incorporating data-driven insights to enhance assessment and feedback practices;
• Integrating artificial intelligence to support and enhance collaborative inquiry by enabling real-time assessment, personalized feedback, adaptive scaffolding, and deeper analysis of group dynamics;
• Combining quantitative ethnography with multimodal data to assess and model complex learning and social interactions, generating actionable feedback to improve both individual and group performance;
• Designing innovative assessment and feedback mechanisms that leverage AI and multimodal data to provide timely, formative feedback, promote self-regulation, and support meaningful learning outcomes in collaborative settings;

Academic Journals:

• Editorial Board Member, Computers & Education
• Early Career Researcher Editorial Board Member, British Journal of Educational Technology

Academic Organizations:

• Council Member, Society of International Chinese in Education Technology