Christopher Gilman, an advocate for hands-on learning, and Adelmar Ramirez, a professor focused on innovative teaching, dive into the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF). They discuss how IIIF democratizes access to special collections, enriching student experiences. The conversation explores innovative uses of digital poetry and annotations for collaborative learning. They highlight the transformative role of AI and interactive tools in education, advocating for strong student engagement through creative and equitable teaching methods.
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Quick takeaways
Integrating IIIF in education democratizes access to previously restricted digital collections, enhancing student engagement and inclusivity in learning.
Creative practices, such as micro-lectures and social annotation, empower students to interact with and analyze visual and textual content collaboratively.
Deep dives
Understanding the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF)
The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) is a vital tool that enhances access to digital collections from libraries, archives, and museums worldwide. IIIF allows users to engage with high-quality images, providing features such as zooming in on intricate details of manuscripts or historical artifacts. Its significance lies in democratizing access to special collections that were previously restricted to certain scholarly audiences, enabling first-year students and educators to explore rare materials easily. By integrating IIIF into classroom settings, educators can offer exciting opportunities for students to interact with diverse forms of visual content.
Innovative Approaches to Teaching Poetry
Adalmar Ramirez incorporates creative practices into teaching Spanish and Latin American literature, employing innovative tools to engage students with poetry. One notable method involves using a micro-lecture technique where students create poetry by selecting and rearranging words from digitalized newspaper articles. This hands-on approach empowers students to interact with the visual and textual elements of their assignments, fostering a playful and engaging learning environment. Students not only create poems but also participate in social annotation, sharing feedback and building a collaborative educational experience.
Expanding Accessibility in Education
The discussion emphasizes the critical role of accessibility in education, particularly through digital tools that eliminate barriers to accessing scholarly resources. With IIIF, students gain access to prestigious collections from institutions like Harvard and the Getty Museum, opening doors to valuable educational content. This broad access contributes to both inclusivity and equity in teaching, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to engage with primary sources that enhance their learning experiences. Educators are encouraged to utilize these tools to design courses that accommodate varying student needs while enriching their curriculum.
The Impact of Annotation on Collaborative Learning
Annotation serves as a powerful mechanism for deepening understanding and promoting collaboration in educational settings. Students can annotate digital materials, allowing them to ask questions and share interpretations, which enhances their analytical skills. This practice shifts the focus from traditional close reading to close viewing, fostering a more interactive learning atmosphere. As students collectively engage with visual content, they develop research ideas throughout the semester, easing the pressure of final assignments and encouraging metacognition about their learning processes.
Christopher Gilman and Adelmar Ramirez describe how to use IIIF in your teaching to bring the world’s image collections to students on episode 531 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
I think that our responsibility as professors in the 21st century is to engage students more.
-Adelmar Ramirez
Think with your hands. Every step that you make, every button that you click is an operation.
-Christopher Gilman