PowerPoint presentation from the "Archaeology in Action" Virginia Association of Museums workshop series presented on November 9th, 2015

2. Objectives
 Future proofing
 Interpretive value
 Brief overview of interactions on tours
 Brief overview of interactions in Ed Shed
 Lessons Learned

3. Future proofing
 Determining which technologies are mature enough to invest
in for you institutions strategic goals

4. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Pros:
 Creates virtual space allowing for immersive visualization
 Easy to operate
 Cheap
Cons:
 Rapidly advancing technology
 No established format
 Dizziness/sickness
 Isolated experience

9.  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

10. Creating a Tactile
Learning Experience

11. Touching the Past
Active 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

12. Interpretive value
 The extent to which the object relates to programming
objectives and enhances the learning experience

13. Examples
 Butchered dog
mandible (jaw) vs.
butchered dolphin
 “Arrow Boy” point
vs. Morrow
Mountain Point
 Sundial/compass vs.
Jack of Plate

14. 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?

15. The Ed Shed

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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!

20. Technology is tough
 Technical challenges and training lapses became apparent
only through operations

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Other observations
 Keeping pace should be
part of your budget
 Let staff play
 Partnership drastically
enhanced the value of the
space