Dataset and DataSheets

Your second major project is to create a dataset that you will then use to create your final project – a digital essay. What you need in your dataset will depend on what sorts of analysis you want to do and what questions you are asking.

We are going to use Omeka (https://dhinrel.omeka.net/), a content management system, to organize our data creation process. You were each sent an invitation to a very simple Omeka instance.

Omeka uses the Dublin Core metadata schema – this means Omeka has already decided what the fields are you will use to describe your items. If you need help on what those fields mean, look at https://omeka.org/classic/docs/Content/Working_with_Dublin_Core/.

For this assignment, you are going to create a Collection and at least 20 items in Omeka connected to the research questions you want to pursue. These items can include:

  • people
  • documents
  • images
  • places
  • videos
  • websites

Some example project ideas:

  1. Text Analysis Project:
    • Item for each of the different texts you want to analyze.
    • If you want to work with a large compilation text (like the Bible), consider creating an item for each book.
  2. Mapping Project:
    • Item for each place you want to include on a map
    • Include an image of the place so that you have a visual element to include in the final project.
  3. Collection of Media Examples:
    • Item for each video that you want to include
    • If you can access a transcription, include that as it will enable you to expand the modes of analysis

! Important! Use the source field to include a link back to where you found the item (if it is digital) or the citation if you got the information from a book (with page numbers).

Deliverables

  1. Create a Collection in Omeka (https://dhinrel.omeka.net/admin/collections).
    1. Fill in the metadata fields as completely as possible.
    2. Identify yourself as the creator of the collection.
    3. Make your collection Public.
  2. Create at least 20 items and add them to your collection. The total number of items you need depends on your research questions, but 20 is the minimum. Individual items can be texts, images, videos, places, events, websites, people – see the list at https://dhinrel.omeka.net/admin/item-types for inspiration if you are feeling stuck.
    1. For each item, fill in as much of the metadata and the item metadata as you can.
    2. Attach the associated files where you can.
    3. Your dataset will be graded on completeness of the metadata and on item selection – do the items you created fit the questions you are looking to explore.
  3. Write a DataSheet describing your collection of items (which together make up a dataset). Fill in the DataSheet template to complete. Save as a PDF and include the PDF as an item in your Omeka collection.

    Download the DataSheet template (Word): https://alabama.box.com/s/zqxznxtvscaa4clzeq2jv2z3r60tc24n

 

Due Midnight, October 28. To submit, paste the link to your Omeka Collection into the assignment submission field in Blackboard.