To clarify a bit, I'm keeping a fairly broad definition of what constitutes a use of digital media or information technology in archaeology. Since I'm mainly looking at examples on the web, one thing I would like to see more of in archaeology is the use of digital media and technology to publish findings from archaeological explorations to a as broad an audience as possible.
The Society for American Archaeology lists as one of its Principles of Archaeological Ethics "public education and outreach." My impression is that the internet, digital media, and information technology are powerful and rarely utilized tools for public outreach. Part of this blog is to explore what has been done, what is being done, and how well it's being done to use these tools for this particular purpose of outreach and education.
I don't think that all archaeological or scientific data should be kept in predominantly digital or electronic form. I've worked enough with computers to know that backing up data is extremely important, and in the case of archaeology, the best "back up" of data includes the original artifacts and field notes from any excavation or archaeological exploration. Well, the original site in as undisturbed form as possible is probably the best back up, really. Artifacts without context don't mean nearly as much to an archaeologist as artifacts in situ and in context. However, I'm curious about whether enough archaeological data and information is made available to the public.
When someone mentions archaeology, the first thing someone usually says in response includes mention of either Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. I've read academic books for class that include mention of this misconception by the general public about archaeology, and I've read books where the author expresses little confidence that assumptions like that about archaeology can be changed. Fictional works, whether novels or movies, will always exaggerate and misconvey most professions they use as part of the fiction. Personally, Indiana Jones is one of my favorite fictional characters, but he's certainly not why I want to become an archaeologist.
I want to know if most archaeologists assume that other people won't understand what they do, or if they attempt to dispel myths and introduce fact into the fiction. As you can see, I have many reasons for keeping this blog, and hopefully, others will find it, read it, and judge my thoughts at least a little interesting or insightful. Then again, maybe not.
Exploring digital media and archaeology.
