Looking at my first blog from week 1, I don’t think my definition of digital humanities has changed all that much. I still agree with what I wrote in my first blog. I believe that digital humanities is “the interdisciplinary approach to presenting the humanities by using digital tools”. In terms of digital humanities values, I still stand by the notion that digital humanities is open and collaborative. Although my definition of digital humanities has not changed all that much, I do think I have a deeper understanding of the values that digital humanities teaches.
What I wrote in my first blog post was largely based off of what the cohort discussed and read. Because my first blog post was based on what I read, there was nothing personal about my definition. Now, because I have made it to the end of the 10 weeks I can personally understand the importance of collaboration and openness.
I think my project reflects the values of digital humanities: collaboration, openness, and public facing. My project was a product of the collaboration over the summer. There were people who were constantly by my side through the whole process, giving me advice and support. My project is now live and open to anyone who comes across it.
I hope my project conveys an interactive narrative of women’s history at Gettysburg College. I believe that my project portrays women’s experience at Gettysburg College. But I think if I research more I can change the narrative slightly. Some people commented that they wanted to know more about where women fit in the overall narrative of Gettysburg College history. What I have on my website is a good foundation. I know if I expand my project I will eventually be able to show where women fit within the larger narrative.
The advice I would like to give to the next DSSF fellows is to be open to everything and don’t have a set plan or idea. Experiment and test the limits of your project. Like I said in my presentation, I learned to think outside the box and I encourage the new digital scholar summer fellows to do the same. Also, really get to know the people who you are working with, get to know the cohort. Being able to have a strong bond with the working group and digital scholars is what got me through the summer. I can honestly say I could not have done it with them. Human connection is an important factor in the outcome of your digital experience and project.
I have learned a lot this summer and I will continue to learn more about digital humanities. This has been a great experience and I thank everyone who has made this fellowship possible. To end with a Hamilton reference, we definitely did not waste our shot.
