Shaping student success and lifelong learning with digital primary sources

By Chloe Hilton, Marketing Communications Manager, AM.

As the education sector continues its digital transformation, coupled with the lasting effects of a global pandemic, the role of digital primary sources in enriching higher education, research and student success has evolved.

Interaction with primary sources lays the foundation for rich, engaging, and dynamic educational experiences, setting students on the path of academic excellence and a deeper understanding of their fields of study. The shift to a hybrid, and sometimes remote, way of learning has revealed the crucial importance of accessible primary sources in a time where physical access to archives and libraries is not always possible. Ensuring access to primary sources has been essential in maintaining robust academic engagement and learning continuity, and student success.

A comprehensive survey, undertaken by AM following the pandemic, explored the changing landscape of online learning to understand how students interact with digital primary sources and the specific challenges that educators face when teaching with source materials. The survey illuminated some of the challenges universities face when integrating these materials into their teaching and learning frameworks and also highlighted how the pandemic reshaped methodologies with an increased reliance on digital resources through the library to ensure equitable access and student success.

The value of primary sources

Students often start their interaction with primary sources from a place of unfamiliarity. Results from the survey showed that 46% of librarians and teaching staff felt that only some or very few students knew what a primary source was when starting their course. The term “primary sources” itself can be daunting and ambiguous for those new to academic research, leading to initial difficulties, confusion and reluctance to navigate these valuable materials.

However, the survey indicated positive trends; as students delve deeper into primary sources, their understanding and engagement improve significantly. This deeper engagement fosters the development of a range of invaluable academic skills that can be applied to a range of subjects and disciplines, including critical reasoning, adept evidence collection and evaluation, insight into original research methodologies, and the ability to analyse historical narratives and contexts critically. These essential skills form a basis for academic success across a range of disciplines beyond History and provide students with a solid foundation for their future research and professional endeavours.

The ability to use these valuable skills not only with their research but also outside of their academic studies are what makes the ability to interrogate and engage with primary sources so valuable. One participant commented that critical thinking was a vital life skill for students to learn from their research with primary sources as it involved them “being challenged” and encouraged to “adopt a different perspective.”

By nurturing these skills as they evolve, students are able to look at their subjects and their research in different ways, enabling them to “develop their own line of inquiry and conclusions.”

Enhancing student engagement and experience

Effective teaching strategies are essential in facilitating successful student interactions with primary sources, whether physical or digital. The survey revealed that there is no one-size fits-all method when it comes to engaging students effectively. Tailoring materials to align with the specific academic needs and interests of classes and curriculums has been shown to lead to more engaging and fruitful educational experiences, and using varied exercises within the classroom and in external assignments can encourage engagement in different and unexpected ways. This customisation is fundamental in creating a more dynamic and impactful student experience, ensuring that students remain motivated and invested in their studies. 71% of respondents felt that manuscripts, such as correspondence, diaries or other handwritten materials, were the primary sources most effective in engaging students, while others thought an object of material culture or audiovisual source was more impactful. Once digitised, this range of primary sources can seamlessly blend into classrooms, facilitating independent learning and enhancing academic achievement based on the unique requirements of the class or even the institution as a whole.

There are also various methodologies and approaches that can be explored when introducing students to primary source material. Discussions surrounding the broader context of a source and the significance of an object can lead to deeper analysis of the language and content contained within. While some lecturers ask interrogative questions, others prefer to allow the students to work together to “unravel the layers,” giving minimal context and discussion beforehand. It was generally agreed across responses that group analysis and collaboration promoted the best engagement outcomes.

Survey participants agreed that the joy of working with primary sources comes from allowing students to independently and proactively develop their own interpretations about historical research. By encouraging students to critically engage with sources and materials, present their own findings and contribute to discussions, educators believed this significantly enhanced the learning experience.

Student learning with primary source research

While primary source research can present initial challenges for students, with support and guidance, this methodology can quickly become a highly engaging and successful way of learning. Feedback shows that while the integration and analysis of primary source materials may confuse some at first, students gain confidence and enjoy embedding contextual research into their work. Cited as being more satisfying and enjoyable than working with secondary sources, these experiences contribute not only to their historical understanding but also enhance their analytical and scholarly skills, improving student success in the long term.

When asked what students enjoy most about working with primary sources, 85% of respondents noted it was the first-hand connection with the materials and their research. 75% also felt it was the ownership of this fresh research that inspired the most enjoyment, while other academics and librarians chose the increased sense of professionalism and improved critical thinking skills as key factors. Participants observed that students “love the freedom to make their own interpretation” and the ability to “engage with the past themselves.” When able to successfully include primary sources within their research, this is seen by students as a method of putting “all the skills they have learnt into producing a piece of work that is the closest they come to working like a professional historian.” When students develop these vital research skills and methods, they can achieve successful, independent academic outcomes.

Enhancing digital skills and learning

Despite the numerous challenges that surfaced during the pandemic, such as technical difficulties and the lack of in-person interactions, the continuation of remote teaching and hybrid learning models since has presented unique opportunities to fundamentally enhance the learning experience. The transition to these models has evolved access to education, especially through the enhanced use of audiovisual materials and increased digital interaction. These advancements have enabled a more inclusive and diversified approach to teaching and learning, breaking down geographical and temporal barriers that previously limited access to education in some cases.

The continued and increased use of digital primary sources has also spurred advancements in educational technology and pedagogy. Institutions continue to invest in digital platforms and tools to facilitate the seamless integration of these resources into the curriculum. This investment has led to an evolution in the development and adoption of innovative teaching methods that leverage technology in a way that enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. These methods include interactive digital lectures, virtual reality experiences, and online collaborative projects, all of which provide immersive and experiential learning opportunities that traditional methods may not offer.

Integrating digital primary sources into these programmes also supports developing digital literacy skills among students. As they navigate online databases, digital archives, and other electronic resources, students acquire essential digital competencies that are increasingly important in the modern workplace. These skills include navigating digital platforms, conducting online research, and critically evaluating digital content. Enhancing these skills not only improves students’ academic performance but also prepares them for the demands of a digitally driven professional world. Survey participants stated it had “broadened their horizons and forced them to learn new research skills” with regards to student research.

The use of digital primary sources is increasingly promoting an interdisciplinary approach to learning and research with the availability of diverse types of primary sources, such as historical documents, audiovisual recordings, and digital artifacts, encouraging students to approach their studies from multiple subjects and perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the learning experience and fosters a deeper understanding of complex topics. By engaging with varied sources from multiple different databases, students can draw connections across different fields of study, leading to more comprehensive and innovative research outcomes.

Equitable access for students and researchers

In addition to enhancing the learning experience, the use of digital primary sources has significant implications for how research is conducted. Students and researchers benefit from the increased accessibility and availability of digital archives, which enables them to conduct more comprehensive and efficient research. One survey participant explained that their institutions investment in digital primary sources had meant there was “a huge wealth of materials available for students to work on dissertations.” The ability to access a wide range of primary sources from anywhere in the world accelerates the research process, increases the opportunity for shared research, and facilitates the discovery of new insights and perspectives. This increased accessibility can drive innovation and progress in various fields of study particularly when approaching from an interdisciplinary view.

Additionally, digital primary sources have proved invaluable in bridging gaps in educational resources, particularly when physical access to libraries, archives, and other resource centres cannot always be achieved. The ease of accessing these resources online has improved information access and made it more readily available to a broader audience, promoting a more equitable educational environment. This equitisation of resources is crucial in fostering a more inclusive academic community, where students can succeed regardless of their background, geographic location or institution type.

Despite the clear advantages of digital primary sources, it is essential to recognise and address that these resources are not without challenges. One of the primary challenges is the need for proper digital infrastructure and support across all access points. Educational institutions must ensure that both students and educators are supported with reliable access to internet connections, up-to-date devices, digital security and the necessary technical support for accessibility. Overcoming these challenges is crucial in maximising the benefits of digital primary sources, ensuring a seamless and effective learning experience regardless of access point or user.

Transformational educational experiences

The integration of digital primary sources into higher education and research represents a significant advancement in the academic landscape. This transition, accelerated by the global pandemic, has highlighted the crucial importance of accessible digital resources in maintaining educational continuity and promoting student success. The survey showed that by fostering critical academic skills, enhancing digital literacy, and promoting interdisciplinary research, digital primary sources have the potential to transform the educational experience and drive innovation in various fields of study.

By investing in digital infrastructure, offering comprehensive and diverse learning resources, and encouraging student engagement, institutions can create a more inclusive, dynamic, and effective learning environment. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the role of digital primary sources will likely become increasingly central, shaping the future of education and research in profound and lasting ways.

This article was first published in Against the Grain, September 2024.