While looking at the syllabus, what interests me the most is the Artificial Intelligence section. I found it interesting because in most classes AI is extremely prohibited while in this class it is a bit more flexible to use as long as it is acknowledged and communicated to the professor. I also found it interesting how apparent it is that we learn both the benefits and drawbacks that using AI can cause when using it on our projects. As the semester goes on, I would like to learn more about how digital humanities is interpreted and used in our everyday lives, along with the effects it can have on the planet. Another aspect of the class I am looking forward to learning is how to use the website dedicated to our class assignments and readings. I am also looking forward to being more present and engaging in class discussions as it is written on the syllabus.
Category: Uncategorized (Page 10 of 15)
Hello! My name is Yosef. I am interested in talking about how digital humanities encourage us to think critically about the technologies we us in our daily lives and how we are able to incorporate that in a world where AI is becoming prevalent and useful.
I chose the SIUE parking page to run through the WAVE checker. An issue that cropped up on the page first was an empty link. Students and professors are most likely to need the content on this page, and an empty link can be confusing. This is important because, with a link that contains no text, the function of the link will not be presented to those viewing the page making it confusing. There are a couple solutions to this problem. One option could be to remove the empty link as to not confuse people. Another option could be to provide text within the link that describes the function or target of the link, so people have a better understanding making it a smoother page for students and professors.
I used the SIUE interactive map. There are two errors that appear which is an empty button an empty link. Besides that, there are several alerts. This page is probably most used by new students coming to SIUE to find where to park or how to navigate the campus. The people who would be most impacted would be the blind or people who can’t interact with the map. The ways it can be improved would be a text-to-speech whenever you hover over an icon or make the map top down. The top down would help me a bit more when I first started my time here. Also a better guide on rooms and helping you figure out where your classes are would be helpful as well.
The app provides a tour into the Cahokia; it allows people to experience the world that would have been. One thing the app does well is navigation, using map and cues. Also, the use of 3D models to bring the past into reality is fascinating, it makes the tourist have a sense of being present at different scenes. It enhances access and accessibility to all interested in exploring the Cahokia and learning about the past. It allows access to those unable to visit the historic site an opportunity to view from their homes using the app.
Although, this app is intended for all who are interested in the Cahokia history and past experience, it excludes certain groups of people.
First, it excludes those with older devices, as stated in the website that “older devices may not be compatible”. This means those with older devices who are interested in experiencing the Cahokia past will not have access to the app.
Secondly, it does not cater for those with hearing impairment. The video which explains the app does not provide caption/transcription for those who may have hearing impairment. This accessibility feature should be considered as those with such disability may want to learn about the site before purchasing the app.
Also, links (like Facebook, twitter and snapchat icons) are too small for those with vision impairment to see at first glance. The sub-headings on the site also use low contrasting colors which maybe difficult for those with vision impairment.
The Cahokia VR App allows users to view the Cahokia Mounds as they once used to look like when they were occupied by the Mississippians. The app does really well at including 3D models to really make you feel like you’re there a thousand years ago. It allows those that are able to make the trip to the mounds an ability to experience this ancient site like never before. Unfortunately, it does exclude audiences with mobility disabilities. According to the video, you need to scale certain mounds and scan the code on the signs in order to view Augmented Reality. The mounds either don’t have any means of getting up or they just have stairs which restricts many to just viewing from the ground level.
After accessing the Cahokia Mounds website I found it to be pretty accessible and all encompassing of the history of the location. The depth of my knowledge is as far as visiting once at a younger age however there were plenty of avenues on the website to learn even more. I then plugged the website into a tool for accessibility evaluation and found that it was less accessible then I believed. It was reported with five errors and 24 alerts. This surprised me but then I considered that I seldom use any accessibility features when it comes to research websites such as this one. Overall I think the most treacherous of the errors comes in the form of the footer of the page, which has unnamed links and invalid ones as well. This could possibly impact those who want to access the links that lead to Illinois Resource protection and Great River websites. On the other hand the website succeeds at condensing information that is shown to you if you’d like to see it, hidden under drop down menus and internal links. In my opinion this helps with accessibility by simplifying the amount of information shown to the user which can be especially helpful to those who have comprehension issues or other underlying conditions.
The Cahokia app is a good start that would/will benefit from being purchased by a bigger player to take it to its full potential. It could also benefit by being open source and letting graphical enthusiast beautify it. At a base level it helps those without imagination/vision compromised (figurative and literal) visualize the scope and space of a past civilization at a very basic level. The app also succeeds at collaboration since there is no limit on how many people can view the area and they all see the same thing. This is great for collaboration purposes for a project or seeking to answer a question. The app doesn’t seek to exclude anyone purposefully but by it’s design those that are blind or lacking the physical technology requirements will be unable to utilize it at this time.
There are several things that the app does well. Starting with the layout of the webpage. All the title headings are listed at the top of the page and make this easier for new users to located the different categories of information. Next the page provides a augmented reality tour of the civilization. Offering you a inside look at what life could look like if you were there during this time period. This enhances access to people who may have a tighter schedule and less time compared to other who are able to physically go see the remains. They even provide a brief video going over the history of Cahokia. This more excludes people who may want to see the ruins of this civilization for what it is today. Many people find more enjoyment in seeing what remains now than a mirrored projection of what it could have been. On the plus side the webpage provides you with a way to schedule a visit to see this wonderful place. Overall the webpage has more positives than negatives, and provides the user with well formatted information. I would give this page a 9/10 in terms of having user friendly interphase and containing interesting and valued info.
SIUE Academics page
- Issues include, 3 redundant links, 1 skipped heading level, 2 sets of small text, and 1 tab-index.
- Students, Instructors, and Counselors.
- Issues like small text and redundant links can make it difficult for students to find the requirement for certain criteria.
- By keeping things organized. Meaning don’t add several links that lead to the same information. This makes navigation difficult. As well as organizing information or instructions to find said info easier.