This event serves as a foundational step in integrating DH by introducing students and faculty to basic concepts of data handling and analysis relevant to humanities research. It sets the stage for understanding the potential of digital tools in research and teaching. It also outlines the different types of data and how they are typically used in DH research.
The event recording can be accessed on this LINK
During the "AI, Humanities, and the Workplace" event on 21 August 2024, the discussion focused on how AI is reshaping the work landscape, particularly within the humanities. The speakers—Styli Charalambous, Jackson Tshabalala, and Jonathan van der Walt—shared their experiences at the intersection of their humanities backgrounds and AI-driven fields.
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Styli Charalambous discussed how AI is transforming journalism, highlighting its role in content creation and reader engagement at Daily Maverick. He emphasised the importance of human oversight in maintaining ethical standards amidst automation.
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Jackson Tshabalala, as Project Manager of Tangible Africa, shared insights into AI's potential to foster digital literacy and problem-solving in African contexts, showcasing real-world applications that merge education, AI, and social impact.
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Jonathan van der Walt, a sculptor and lecturer, explored how AI is influencing creative processes in the arts, discussing the integration of AI tools in design and sculpture, while highlighting the continued need for human creativity.
Facilitator Dr. Gabby Dlamini guided the conversation, raising questions about the broader implications of AI on the workplace, how AI can complement rather than replace human skills, and the need for adaptability in humanities disciplines. Discussions also touched on the ethical considerations and challenges AI presents in these fields.
The event recording can be accessed on this LINK
The "Introduction to Digital Humanities" event on 25 September 2024 featured guest speakers Mmasibidi Setaka-Bapela and Andiswa Bukula. Both speakers shared insights into the growing field of African Digital Humanities, focusing on how digital tools are transforming research, teaching, and collaboration within the humanities. They discussed real-world applications, highlighted case studies, and explored the potential for DH to reshape academic and cultural discourse in Africa. The session aimed to engage a broad audience, including students, researchers, and anyone with an interest in the innovative intersection of technology and the humanities.
The event recording can be accessed on this LINK
This event focuses on enhancing data literacy among humanities scholars, teaching them to effectively communicate insights through visual means. It promotes engagement with complex data sets and facilitates clearer interpretation of research findings. Note that the topic of visualisation is too broad to be effectively covered in a one-hour session. As such, this tutorial will very basic with further training planned for the year 2025.
The event registration site can be found on this LINK
As scholars, it is imperative for us to disseminate our research findings through publications. This seminar aims to provide participants with practical guidance on publishing data articles. We are privileged to host an editor from the Journal of Open Humanities Data, who will explain the concept of data articles and the types of data suitable for publication. While this may seem ambitious at our initial stages, it sets a clear goal for the Faculty to strive towards. This seminar will enable participants to appreciate the seminars and tutorials that focus on deepening their understanding of data and data-cleaning processes.
Generally, digital exhibitions showcase innovative uses of DH in presenting and preserving cultural and historical artefacts. Open exhibitions also engage the public, demonstrating the impact of DH in broader societal contexts while also improving the public’s appreciation for digitalisation. This exhibition will allow faculty members to experience the organisation of a digital exhibition, thereby skilling themselves for both current and future projects that rely on the virtual experience.
Event dates 2024
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Month
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Date
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Event
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Topic
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July
|
24
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Seminar
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Introduction to Data for Humanities
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|
August
|
21
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Workshop 1
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The Future of Humanities in the Workplace & AI for the Workplace
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|
September
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25
|
Seminar
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Introduction to DH I
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|
October
|
23
|
Seminar
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Introduction to DH II
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|
November
|
20
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Seminar
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Introduction to DH III
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|
21
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Exhibition
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Digital Exhibition
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