AI pedagogy and new methods for humanities scholars: A reflective case study

Abstract

How can we bridge the divide between large-scale computational approaches to GLAM collections and the close-reading perspectives of humanities scholars? And how might we raise awareness of the possibilities and the limits of AI search systems, which are rapidly reshaping the research landscape even as AI literacy remains uneven? These questions also involve pedagogy: how to design effective forms of methodological outreach. This paper draws on our experience in developing a workshop to showcase multi-modal topic modelling for heritage organisations and researchers. Building on earlier work, we reflect on design choices in using Google Colab, especially balancing technical depth with accessibility. Our case study highlights the importance of flexible formats that foster critical engagement with AI methods while recognising the limits of short-term interventions.