CAPACITY-BUILDING FOR ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: How will People Manage the Information

Explosion?

Ethan WatrallDepartment of AnthropologyMATRIX: The Center for the Arts, Letters, & Social Sciences OnlineMichigan State University

captain_primate #saa2012

LOOK BEYOND DIGITAL DATA & GIS

Recognize that “digital” extends well beyond data and GIS, and includes domains such as mobile applications, digital libraries & archives, meaningful play & serious games, open web geospatial, user experience design, etc. Recognize that the impact of “digital” reaches beyond research, and includes teaching, public engagement, and scholarly communication.

FOSTER A CULTURE OF BUILDINGCreate environments in which scholars (students, professionals, academics, etc) can gain an understanding of tools, platforms, frameworks, and technologies by building prototypes and proofs of concept. Embrace “building as a way of knowing”

LOOK TO OTHER DISCIPLINES FOR MODELSThere are many domains who are addressing these issues - and have been doing so with great success. Chief among them are the Digital Humanities and Digital Classics/Digital Ancient World (to say nothing of Information & Library Science). Why should archaeology silo itself off and attempt to (re)invent the wheel?