My original intent for participating in THATCamp Florida was to gain experience and make connections within the digital humanities community. In regards to the topics I hope will be discussed, Omeka is my primary interest. In what ways can we creatively use Omeka to digitally archive and present information to the public? What future do we see for Omeka and other similar software?
My interest is not solely within the Omeka software; rather, it is in digital tools that can help academics reach a broader public audience, by presenting information in a more interactive way. I would love to have a session where we can discuss different tools available to digital humanists that can help inform and engage the public.
An emerging and related interest of mine is connected to a new initiative by Apple Inc. called iBooks 2, and more importantly, iBooks Author. Apple has taken the lead in pushing digital textbooks. Alongside the announcement of digital textbooks Apple released a free publishing software called iBooks Author, which allows anyone to create and publish digital books onto Apple’s iBooks store. If enough attendees are interested I would like to discuss the impact of emerging digital textbook market and what that means for the public and academia.
Rustin, I, too, am very interested in looking into Apple’s new initiative with the Academy, especially iBooks Author. I have had only a fleeting opportunity to look at the new iTunes U, but have not had a chance to play with Author yet. I would love to do that this weekend with other folks are interested in trying to press it into service for humanities classes in more creative ways than I have seen to date from e-textbooks, etc.
I would also like to explore the links between digital and public humanities. How can we enhance the possibilities that our digital projects will be of interest/utility to non-academic audiences? Tips? Guidelines? And, how might these projects be used? User studies?
As a doctoral student integrating instructional systems design and emerging technologies, I would appreciate the opportunity to participate in this kind of exploration/evaluation.