How does one present digitally?
As useful and nice it is to teaching in a digital space, it does have its limits. It is hard to convey complex issues to the view or listener without losing them. The biggest issue, to me, is word choice and/or tone. Some words tend to sound harsh and without the person’s facial expressions, those words can turn the viewer off quickly.
Of all the digital tools that historians have been using, I think podcasts are great because the creator can use sound, imaginative descriptions, and vocal tone changes to make personal connections with the audience. Even if the listener has not been to this place, the descriptions of the area or a sound like walking on leaves can help to still immerse the listeners. Podcasts are also a great way to have layman word choice that someone would not normally put in a written lesson and still hold an authority on the topic.
Now as a person with hearing loss, I can understand how Deaf people and other audio-processing issues can dampen the connection between the listener and the podcast. Even with a transcript. This is where a video version of the podcast could be an option. Or simply a video addition on the site is great. (All with captions hand typed, not AI driven!)
Last note: This was such a hard post to think about while listening to the overturn of Roe V Wade and other massive changes. At times, learning in the digital age is full of misinformation or disinformation so that can be a struggle in itself. How can I help someone to unlearn what they are so emotionally attached to? That is a skill and an art that I am still building on.