Researchers at one of my old undergraduate departments at the University of Illinois have developed a cool VRArcheology, a “virtual archaeology field school” [1]. Naturally, Sensei Alan Craig is involved.
From what I’ve seen, it’s a pretty complete package, including embodied simulations of digging (on your knees), and lab tests. The VR is part of a class that includes archival research, data recording, and so on, to round out the experience.
OK, the VR doesn’t include the heat, bugs, and sometimes iffy food, and you don’t have to slog off into the boonies to get there. But it’s probably a good start.
Of course, this is a bit of deja vu for me. Sensei Craig and I imagined this a long time ago (certainly 10 years ago), and even wrote unsuccessful proposals to do it.
But that was too early for the technology, which is so-o-o-o much easier and better now. As the press release indicates, this is built out of commonly used game software, which is some of the most amazing stuff out there. (The last time I look at it, there was a box to check to “create VR version” of your video game. It’s that simple.)
It is also true that funding agencies and professional reviewers probably had difficulty grokking the technology back then. But these days, they have seen their kids playing games (heck, they probably play the games themselves), so they see exactly what it can do.
So yeah, this is definitely a great idea. It was a great idea when I was advocating it way back when, and it’s great to see it come true.
Nice work all. I’m looking forward to seeing papers and learning how they plan to disseminate this software.
- Diana Yates, Team creates game-based virtual archaeology field school, in University of Illinois News – Research, January 29, 2020. https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/805645
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