Transitioning to Teaching with Technology

Jeff AronowitzAssistant Manager of Public and Educational Programs Jamestown Rediscovery

Objectives

Future proofing Interpretive value Brief overview of interactions on tours Brief overview of interactions in Ed Shed Lessons Learned

Future proofing

Determining which technologies are mature enough to invest in for you institutions strategic goals

Examples FFF vs. SLA 3D Printers Google Cardboard vs. Oculus, Microsoft, etc. Virtual/3D modeling software vs. BYOD vs. provided device Specified app development vs. generic content distribution

tools

Worth it?

3D printing

Pros: Established technology with over 30 years of development Provides ability to fabricate objects that are otherwise

uncreatable Provides cost efficient means of rapid prototyping

Cons: Price Learning Curve Maintenance

3D Scanner

Pros: Provides ability to capture 3d model of some real world

objects Captures detail such as geometry, color, size etc. Model can be 3D printed or used in virtual environment Cons: Limited use Reliability issues Rapid technology development

VR Viewers

Pros: Creates virtual space allowing for immersive visualization Easy to operate Cheap

Cons: Rapidly advancing technology No established format Dizziness/sickness Isolated experience

360 Cameras Pros

Immersive photo and video capture Easy to capture environment for use in AR and VR applications “Wow” factor Rapid pace of support

Cons Low quality resolution Currently complicated to render imagery No universal format Rapidly advancing technology

Creating a Tactile Learning Experience

Touching the PastActive learning strategies result in stronger comprehension of subjects, and haptics provides a mechanism through which students can actively engage in learning a range of ideas and skills, putting control of learning literally into their hands.-Educase Learning Initiative

Interpretive value The extent to which the object relates to programming

objectives and enhances the learning experience

Examples Butchered dog

mandible (jaw) vs. butchered dolphin

“Arrow Boy” point vs. Morrow Mountain Point

Sundial/compass vs. Jack of Plate

Discovering the interpretive value of the object

What story do I want to tell?How will this object enhance that story?How can I reproduce the object?How can I teach my staff to use the object?

The Ed Shed

Why did we do it?NMC Horizon 2015 Report Museum Edition Wiki

Key trends Expanding concept of Museum Visitors Increasing focus on participatory experiences Growth of cross-institution collaboration Pushing boundaries of creativity

Developments BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Makerspaces 3D Scanning Augmented and Virtual Reality

Challenges Developing comprehensive digital strategies Low digital fluency of museum professionals Balancing connected and unconnected lives Measuring impact of new technologies

If you build it…they will come Over 10K visitors from June 22nd-September 6th

National press Multiple mentions on TripAdvisor and visitors surveys Over 500 scans sent to visitors Universal praise from visitors of all ages

Press Makezine.com

Recreating the Past with Archeological 3D Printing 3DPrint.com

Historic Jamestown’s 3D Printing ‘Ed Shed’ Puts the Past at Visitors’ Fingertips Richmond Magazine

Making History Wydaily.com

Jamestown Unearthed: 3-D Printing Technology Brings Artifacts to Life Jamestown Unearthed: Historic Jamestowne Opens Hands-On Archaeology to

Guests The Yorktown Crier

Jamestowne Ed Shed

Many visitors are “kids” at heart

Our effort to market the space as the JR “Kids” Ed Shed was a failure…

and that’s a GOOD thing!

Technology is tough

Technical challenges and training lapses became apparent only through operations

3D printer

Six different printers and three different brands Don’t be an early adopter Spend more Keep it simple

Virtual Viewers

Get Insurance on the phone Cardboard gets dirty…fast People want to walk around. Don’t let them. Put the device in airplane mode

3D Scanner

Keep it charged Determine your demo

objectives Create a space as you

prep the demo Use Apple TV

3D Prints

Identification Key Variety Discovery Boxes vs.

Matching Game

Sorting and Picking

Not productive without dedicated staff Great bridge to the tech Extended engagement opportunities

Out of Context Artifacts

Get rid of the sharp stuff Put it in their hands Visuals needed

Other observations

Keeping pace should be part of your budget

Let staff play Partnership drastically

enhanced the value of the space

Q & A