Technology for poets
Literary studies parallels history in that online catalogues, email, etexts and digital archives have revolutionized research and communications among scholars. Speaking of Darwin, in my field (19th century British literature), one of my favorite recent projects is “The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online,” a monumental effort that even includes digital images of Darwin’s Cambridge University buttery bills and his wife Emma’s diaries. The British Library’s Turning the Pages project allows readers to virtually experience first editions, including William Blake’s handwritten and hand-illustrated “Tyger” and Lewis Carroll’s presentation copy of “Alice’s Adventures under Ground,” gorgeously written and illustrated as a Christmas gift for Alice Liddell.
As for teaching, technology has exploded the possibilities for course projects and activities. From blogging through digital video to Shakespearean SecondLife avatars on Renaissance Island, there’s seemingly no limit to what English professors will drag into the classroom. . .the only challenge is to know which technologies to choose and—most important—why we’ve chosen them. Which explains why I am so happy to be involved in this workshop!
Great examples. I think our discussions tomorrow morning will prove interesting.
A favorite of mine on this topic is The Orwell Prize, which is publishing a diary entry of Orwell’s every day for which one exists 70 years after it was written: http://orwelldiaries.wordpress.com/
In addition, images and a google map showing his travels with his wife in the 30s are also available.
How do we engage those technologies in ways that encourage students to bring them into the mix, too? Do you foresee digital IS projects anytime soon?