Evaluation of community technology interventions is notoriously difficult. Computer training is one factor that must be understood in the context of a whole range of local resources and constraints. TASCHA work around evidence and storytelling attempts to address this challenge by gathering “typical” stories from a variety of settings in order to create a framework for induction and generalization.

Evidence narratives were designed to capture “typical” stories — evidence — in order to generate analysis and dialog about particular cases in relation to the larger phenomena. The stories are also valuable because they communicate important lessons and dynamics. They are memorable and can be retold for a variety of audiences, making them useful for practitioners, donors, and researchers alike.

This research was sponsored by Microsoft Community Affairs, through the Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills Program.