Thesis Defence: HERITAGE THROUGH PIXELS: Digitization of Ghana’s Cultural Heritage with the Aim of Increasing Engagement and Participation Amongst the Youth
November 25 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Barbara Emefa Kpedekpo, supervised by Dr. Suzanne Gott, will defend their thesis titled “HERITAGE THROUGH PIXELS: Digitization of Ghana’s Cultural Heritage with the Aim of Increasing Engagement and Participation Amongst the Youth” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Digital Arts and Humanities theme.
An abstract for Barbara Emefa Kpedekpo’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in-person defences.
ABSTRACT
“Heritage Through Pixels” is an interdisciplinary exploration that examines the intersection of cultural heritage, digital technology, and education in Ghana. This digital humanities project addresses the critical discussions surrounding the transmission and participation of cultural heritage in Ghana, the evolving role of technology in education, the transformation of storytelling practices in the digital era, and the creation of digital solutions that account for users’ technological constraints in Ghana. The central research question investigates how digital technology, particularly smartphone technology, can be harnessed to promote the transmission and engagement of cultural heritage among Ghanaian youth.
Contrary to the belief that digital technology alienates Ghanaian youth from their culture due to their increase engagement with digital technology, this research reviews and challenges this misconception. It incorporates the principles of minimal computing, which emphasizes accessible, resource-efficient digital approaches that reduce technological barriers, enabling a broader participation in digital humanities projects. This thesis presents a culturally resonant alternative that utilizes familiar digital tools in Ghana to foster a meaningful connection with cultural identity among the youth.
The project introduces Digital Storytelling (DST) as an arts-based method, using ArcGIS Story Maps to create an interactive and engaging digital platform centred on Ghana’s bead-making arts—a vital aspect of the country’s cultural heritage. Through this platform, the project demonstrates how digital storytelling can serve as an effective medium for cultural heritage engagement and participation.
This project embodies a multidisciplinary approach essential for addressing the complexities of cultural heritage transmission in the digital age by designing digital solutions that consider users’ technological constraints, leveraging the digital proficiency of Ghanaian youth, and promoting continuous learning through accessible digital methods. It highlights the potential of digital technology to empower cultural heritage engagement among Ghanaian youth, ensuring that Ghana’s cultural identity remains vibrant, relevant, and accessible to the youth who represent its future.
