Writing Imagery: Multimodal AIs in History and Digital Art

This assignment, by Daniel Hutchinson and Erin Jensen, is from the TextGenEd January 2024 Continuing Experiments collection in the WAC Clearinghouse Repository.

The abstract from the site explains:

We introduced undergraduate history and digital art students to multimodal AI models through the practice of prompt design. Students learned techniques for developing textual descriptions for generating images using models like DALL-E 3, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion. Students then applied these techniques to explore art history through prompting of specific artistic styles on subjects of their choosing. After experimenting with these technologies, students then reflected on the broader social implications of AI-generated imagery.

Key Features of This Assignment

Multimodal Composition
Students engage in multimodal composition, blending written text with digital images, sounds, and other media forms to create a rich, layered project.
Historical Research and Analysis
Students conduct in-depth historical research to inform their creative work, learning about the historical context and enhancing their analytical skills.
Use of AI Tools
The assignment integrates the use of AI tools for generating and manipulating digital art, providing students with hands-on experience in applying advanced technology to creative and academic projects.