Between papers and algorithms: methodological challenges of the History of Education in Digital Humanities

Abstract

This article analyzes the methodological challenges involved in research on periodical press sources within the field of the History of Education, in light of Digital Humanities. Historically, newspapers and magazines constituted privileged spaces for disputes and pedagogical projects, in which intellectuals sought to shape public opinion around specific educational hegemonies. Whereas scholarly work previously required close attention to the materiality of the source, it now confronts technical mediations such as OCR and CAQDAS, which affect the selection and visibility of documents. Grounded in bibliographical research and a review of literature, the study demonstrates that historical inquiry must articulate the technical potential of digital platforms with methodological rigor in order to preserve the density of research in the History of Education based on periodical press sources.