Artificial intelligence and digitized sources for teaching local history

Abstract

This paper presents an didactic experience developed in the Taller de Problemáticas de Enseñanza de la Historia de la UNLP (Universidad Nacional de La Plata) with students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in History. It explores how the integration of digitized sources and artificial intelligence (AI), specifically the advanced natural language processing capabilities of large language models (LLMs), can enrich the teaching and learning experience of history. The results suggest that AI has interesting potential for teaching local history, in terms of stimulating critical thinking, improving the student learning experience, and strengthening teacher training. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of LLMs and to develop strategies to take advantage of them or overcome them.