The Alliance for Learning in World History is thrilled to announce its call for applications for “Truth, Misinformation, and Technology in World History” a one-day virtual professional development workshop held on Saturday, June 1 from 10:30am-4:00pm Eastern. The ALWH welcomes applications from educators at all levels who would like to explore how to teach and talk about “Truth, Misinformation, and Technology” in a world historical context in their classroom. The theme of is intended to include the widest range of topics and geographic locales. The event also provides teacher's with the opportunity to workshop their own syllabus or assignment that engages with the workshop theme. All accepted participants will receive a $200 stipend. Deadline extended! Apply by April 15, 2024!
Workshop Description: These days, educators at all levels are worried about technology in their classrooms. How can we help our students use it responsibly? How can we, as teachers, incorporate technology in our classrooms in ways that help students think about truth claims and the link between information and power?
While AI and ChatGPT dominate today’s discussions around these issues, concern about technology, authenticity, and authority have a long and global history. In this one-day virtual professional development workshop for educators at all levels, our three speakers will explore 500 years of “big data”, technology and political disinformation, and people’s fascination with the idea of “automatic writing.” Apply here by uploading a resume, short letter of interest, and a sample assignment: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8unMlIkVU6UYvTE
The event will feature three keynote talks from three experts engaged in cutting edge research on the themes of truth, misinformation, and technology in world history: Dr. Roopika Risam, Dartmouth College; Dr. Elise Silva, University of Pittsburgh; and Dr. Annette Vee, University of Pittsburgh.
Apply here by uploading a resume, sample assignment or syllabus having to do with the workshop theme, and a statement of interest: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8unMlIkVU6UYvTE
This event is hosted by the Alliance for Learning in World History, based at the University of Pittsburgh’s World History Center and cosponsored by Pitt's Global Studies Center and Department of History.
Keynote Talks
Roopika Risam (Dartmouth College), "Data Empires: Big Data Before Big Data Today"
Drawing on Dr. Risam's new book project, Data Empire, this talk explores the Big Data moment that began in the late 15th century, when European countries launched the Age of Discovery. Risam will showcase the surprising places that data turned up during the rise of European colonialism, while exploring how it fits the definition of Big Data today, defined by its volume, variety, and velocity. Attendees will learn to see "data" in new ways and understand how data powered colonialism in ways that look astonishingly like the operations of data power in our world today.
Elise Silva (University of Pittsburgh), "Objectivity Bias, Uninformed Skepticism, and the Politics of Trust"
Tracing the intricate dynamics of trust and information flows in society, this presentation unveils the decline of public trust in institutions over the past 40 years. Delving into the interplay between information ecosystems, education, and the erosion of trust, it considers the ways that educators might empower learners with tools to engage with information objects in a critically curious way, with a keen eye on the polarizing political ramifications of our current "post-truth" reality.
Annette Vee (University of Pittsburgh), "Androids, Spirits and Chatbots: Historicizing AI Writing"
Generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT have suddenly thrust the automation of writing into the public spotlight. The artificial intelligence techniques behind Large Language Models such as the GPT series may be new; however, for centuries, humans have attempted to automate writing using mechanical and spiritual means. In this session, we'll talk about how writing by 18th century androids and 19th century spirits connects to contemporary conversations about AI and what it means to be human.
About the Facilitators
Roopika Risam is Associate Professor of Digital Humanities and Social Engagement at Dartmouth. Her research interests lie at the intersections of postcolonial and African diaspora studies, digital humanities, and critical university studies. Risam is the author of New Digital Worlds: Postcolonial Digital Humanities in Theory, Praxis, and Pedagogy, and co-editor of multiple volumes, most recently Anti-Racist Community Engagement (2023) and The Digital Black Atlantic (2021). For more, please visit http://roopikarisam.com.
Elise Silva is a postdoctoral associate shared between the University of Pittsburgh's Disinformation Lab, a civic resilience project, and the Western PA writing project, a regional collaboration with K-12 educators to promote literacy learning. She holds a PhD in English from the University of Pittsburgh and an MLIS degree from the University of North Texas.
Annette Vee is Associate Professor of English and Director of the Composition Program at University of Pittsburgh, where she teaches courses in writing, digital composition, materiality, and literacy. She is a former high school English teacher and the author of published research on computer programming, AI writing, blockchain technology, surveillance, and intellectual property.