Platforms for Digital Projects and Social Media

Platforms for Digital Projects and Social Media

On April 20, 2024, the Department of Languages hosted an insightful workshop titled "Platforms for Digital Projects and Social Media". This event, conducted via a virtual meet, was inclusive and accessible to participants both within and beyond the university community. The workshop featured Ms. Rimi Nandy, an Assistant Professor and a full-time HASTAC Scholar, as the resource person.

The primary audience for this workshop was the MA English with Digital Humanities students, although it attracted a diverse group of attendees interested in digital projects and social media. Ms. Nandy’s expertise provided an invaluable opportunity for students and professionals to explore various digital platforms and understand their applications in academic and professional projects. 

Ms. Nandy began the session by highlighting the growing importance of digital literacy in the humanities. She emphasized that proficiency in digital tools and platforms is no longer optional but essential for modern scholars and professionals. Her introduction set the stage for a comprehensive overview of the tools available for digital projects.

The workshop was divided into several key segments, each focusing on different types of platforms and their uses. Ms. Nandy started with project management tools such as Trello and Asana. She demonstrated how these platforms could streamline project planning, enhance collaboration, and ensure efficient task management. Participants were shown practical examples of how to set up projects, assign tasks, and track progress in real-time.

Next, Ms. Nandy delved into content creation and curation platforms. She discussed the significance of platforms like Omeka and WordPress for creating digital archives and exhibitions. These tools are particularly relevant for humanities projects that involve a large amount of multimedia content. Through live demonstrations, participants learned how to build and customize their digital exhibits, making them accessible and engaging to a wider audience.

Social media's role in disseminating and promoting digital projects was another critical aspect covered in the workshop. Ms. Nandy explained how platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram could be leveraged to reach a broader audience, engage with the community, and foster scholarly discussions. She shared strategies for effective social media management, including content scheduling, audience engagement, and analytics tracking.

The interactive nature of the workshop allowed participants to engage directly with the platforms being discussed. Ms. Nandy facilitated hands-on sessions where attendees could explore the features of each tool, ask questions, and receive real-time assistance.This practical approach ensured that participants left with not only theoretical knowledge but also the skills to implement what they had learned in their projects.

Ms. Nandy also touched upon the ethical considerations of using digital platforms. She underscored the importance of digital ethics, including issues related to data privacy, copyright, and accessibility. This segment was particularly enlightening, as it encouraged participants to think critically about the implications of their digital practices.

The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, where Ms. Nandy addressed various queries from the attendees. Questions ranged from specific technical issues to broader discussions about the future of digital humanities. Ms. Nandy’s responses were thorough and insightful, reflecting her deep understanding of the field. In summary, the "Platforms for Digital Projects and Social Media" workshop organized by the Department of Languages was a resounding success. Ms. Rimi Nandy’s expert guidance provided participants with a robust understanding of the digital tools and platforms essential for contemporary digital humanities projects. The workshop not only enhanced the digital competencies of the attendees but also inspired them to explore new possibilities in their academic and professional endeavors.

OUTCOMES OF THE EVENT

1. The workshop significantly enhanced the digital skills of participants, equipping them with practical knowledge of various digital tools and platforms essential for their projects.
2. It also increased awareness of digital ethics, encouraging participants to consider data privacy, copyright, and accessibility in their digital practices.