Concept of Digital Humanities - Essay Example

Digital humanities Use of digital platform in humanities is not a new concept. It has been there for a number of decades, only that in the last five years, it has taken the center stage. This has led observers to believe that the use of technology in humanity is the next frontier that people should look out for. With the digital scholarship rapidly gaining popularity in the academic sphere, the question is how effective has it been and what are the benefits that has come along with it. How can this platform be enhanced so that there is a last impact of the same in the classroom. Still, how can it be used to ensure that its use reap the full benefits in the future undertakings and bring about a great promotion (Marc 1). That the use of digital platform in the field of humanity has brought about change in the sector is a point that no one can deny. If one chooses to deny it, then she/he is doing so out of reasons rather the facts that are evident for everyone to see. Take for example the platform such as content-management systems or GIS mapping. These have made all the difference on the web management tick (Marc 2). Another example of just how the digital scholarship has brought a difference in the education sphere is in the research sector in the humanities studies. Subjects that were characterized with low-tech seminars such as undergraduate philosophy or English for that matter has embraced technology to the point that research methods that were once esteemed as the preserve of the elite scholars can be taught and passed on to undergraduate students in a short period unlike before. This shows how the digital scholarship has just made an enormous contribution as far as the computational approach is employed in humanities (Marc 3). Another proof that digital platform is an important aspect in humanities is the kind of focus colleges has given to this field. Also, the perspective that has been taken by student that digital humanity is strengthening their prospects in the job market (Marc 4). It therefore goes without saying that digital platform as an area requires critical engagement because it touches on every aspect of our life. This sort of demand has left the humanities at the university with no choice but to invent ways that will not only increase the value of their undertaking but also ensure that there is wide embrace of the programs. Additionally, they are ever working on ways to get the resources to implement this. Even though there has been a challenge of quantifying the achievement made in this aspect because of the trend by some colleges of categorizing digital humanities just as an element with a particular course and not a discipline that is distinct in itself, this has not influenced the growth in this sector because even the minor sectors have embraced it to the full measure (Marc 6). This has gone a long way in ensuring the success of this kind of program with clear evidence of its achievement. For example, by the use of Google earth application, students were able to create a Virginia’s Woolf geographic trajectories. Moreover, undergraduates from UCLA, were able to use the digital platform to create visual of ancient Rome in a game like application. Another achievement of digital humanities that is recorded is the story of where students at Nebraska digital archived historical artifacts as well as the story of the people there. However this does not mean that digital humanity has had a smooth sail, it important to point out some of the challenges that have befallen it. For example, it has generated lots of debates as well as complications. The question of whether or not digital humanity should be a major or minor course has risen with time. Furthermore, the question of whether or not it should be a new department of its own and how broadly it should be defined has also risen with time. In addition, critics have questioned its relevance to students who intend to pursue careers that are outside the academe as well as the real life application by those who intend to use it in tenure decision evaluation process (Marc 7). The other challenge that has faced these programs is the expansion bit. Unlike other technological innovation, these programs do have a mass broadcast. In addition, finding those who are qualified to teach these online courses or projects inclined towards digital humanity is always a major challenge. While new-media programs continue to abound, the digital-humanities communities have in general continued to remain small. What’s more, the issue of trust for these programs among students is an area of concern. It is not always easy to get students to trust these programs when they are first introduced (Marc 10). A thorough review and analysis of Marc Perry piece on digital humanities brings one to the conclusion that the piece is great on presenting a good case on digital humanities. Not only has he given an elaborate introduction of what digital humanities is, but has gone ahead to elaborate the elements that are included in it; the genesis of digital humanities, how it has developed over the years, and how it has impacted the education system. He does this in the first three paragraphs of his article. This does not only prepare the readers for what is in the texts but also gives them the necessary information that they need in order to understand the topic that is being covered. Another reason that supports the fact that Marc Perry has presented his case well in his article is the fact he has been able to elaborate the opportunity that the digital humanities has been able to afford and how this opportunity can be utilized in the area of the application. He covers this in the fourth and fifth paragraph by clearly outlining the expectations that have come with the development of digital humanities. He elaborates the expectations of students as well as those of deans that are promoting this course. He then goes on to outline the achievement that has so far been recorded in this sector. He outlines the value they have added in the lives of those who have used or intended to use them. This goes to show his view of digital humanities, but he does not stop there. Since he is not biased and would love to give his readers all the information that they need in this area, he further states the challenges and the problems that have been faced or are continued to be experienced in the area. He further goes ahead to analyze some of the solutions that can be applied to these problems so that the area of study or innovation can be enhanced. This clearly brings one to the conclusion that this article has presented its case; he has outlined what he talking about, the origin, the opportunities, the success, the challenges and the way forward to overcome these challenges. This clearly leaves the audience with the sole responsibility of choosing for themselves the conclusion to draw. Work cited Parry Marc, “Digital humanities.” the chronicle of higher education. 6 January, 2014 Web. 24 April, 2014 Read More