Sunday, March 13, 2022

On the Topic of Digital Humanities...

Although this course means to integrate digital tools into streamlined coursework, due to the pandemic pushing learning online for the past year, I didn't quite notice that focus until this prompt. That being said, the utilization of specific platforms like Omeka and Neatline were components of this course that I believe bolstered my learning experience, as they offered means by which information could be presented alternative to an essay format. 
Overall, tools like Omeka and Neatline provided a higher degree of freedom in presentation, which inherently promoted creative thinking and a greater awareness of design. It wasn't difficult transitioning to online work, given the aforementioned circumstances, and learning to use the new tools was fun and easy to get into.
Speaking frankly, and as stated before, I didn't notice that this course was meant to focus on digital tools. Maybe I was alone in this experience, but most of the times where I did essays and the like by hand was in preparation for proctored exams, though I do admit that most projects I've completed were by hand. In general, I feel like education is increasingly transitioning towards incorporating digital tools, especially with heightened access and familiarity with computers. Largely because I feel this way, this course didn't feel all that distinct from other English courses I've taken thus far, though I believe its execution and material were both exceptional.

1 comment:

  1. I think you're right that higher ed is moving increasingly toward integrating digital tools, but I think it's important for students to use those tools in the context of humanities research and learning in specific. At any rate, I'm glad you found them to allow for creativity, since I think that's an important element of the writing and communication process.

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