Yiğit Karataş was awarded a bursary to attend the Digital Humanities Oxford Summer School in 2024. To join the mailing list and learn about the next summer school sign up here. Read about Yiğit's experience at the summer school here:
Hi there! I’m Yiğit Karataş, a postgraduate researcher passionate about exploring the intersection of digital technologies, creativity, and sustainability. My academic journey has focused on understanding how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are reshaping industries and societal structures. This summer, I had the privilege of attending the Digital Humanities Oxford Summer School (DHOxSS) 2024, an incredible event that brought together leading minds in digital humanities. Here is the link discover more about me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yigitkaratas99/
This year, I really wanted to be in Oxford physically to experience the historic university city and its inspiring atmosphere. However, due to strict deadlines and a heavy workload, I attended the summer school online. Even from home, the experience was amazing, with world-class lectures and thought-provoking discussions accessible right from my desk.
I’d like to share a few of the most memorable and engaging lectures that stood out during this extraordinary event:
AI in Libraries: A Glimpse into the Future
Dr. Megan Gooch from the Bodleian Libraries presented "AI in the Library," showcasing how AI is transforming library science. From handwriting text recognition to personalized information discovery, the session highlighted innovative applications that are enhancing the accessibility and usability of digitized collections.
One particularly intriguing aspect was the role of AI in conducting sensitivity reviews for archival materials and generating metadata to enrich library records. Dr. Gooch also addressed the ethical dimensions of these advancements, emphasizing the balance between technological innovation and responsible usage.
Investigating Video Games and Well-Being
Matti Vuorre’s session, "Investigating Video Game Player Behavior and Well-Being," offered a deep dive into PowerWash Simulator as a case study. This exploration of how AI can analyze player behavior and enhance mental well-being demonstrated the potential of technology to create meaningful and impactful gaming experiences.
AI and Music: Reimagining Creativity
Dr. Zakiya Leeming from the Royal Northern College of Music captivated the audience with her talk, "Movement II: AI After the Intro in Contemporary Music Practice." She explored how AI is being integrated into music composition and performance, raising fascinating questions about authorship, collaboration, and the evolving definition of creativity in the digital age.
Beyond Oxford: The Role of AI in Academic Writing
Alwyn Collinson’s discussion highlighted the growing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT in academia. Referencing a Stanford study showing that 47% of students use AI for academic purposes, Collinson sparked engaging debates about AI's ethical implications and transformative potential in research and writing.
DHOxSS 2024 was a vibrant mix of theoretical insights and practical applications, illuminating how AI reshapes libraries, gaming, music, and academia. For me, the summer school was not just an academic event but an intellectual retreat, a place to learn, share, and envision the future of digital humanities.
The interdisciplinary nature of the discussions, coupled with the opportunity to connect with leading academics and fellow attendees, made this experience truly transformative. The ideas and insights gained during these sessions will undoubtedly inform my research and inspire new projects.
If you’re curious about how technology intersects with culture and creativity, I highly recommend attending DHOxSS in the future. Whether in person or online, it’s an experience that leaves you with both answers and questions, pushing you to explore the unknown.
