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Abstract

Recent technological advances have greatly altered how scholars record, study, and educate the public about cultural resources. Data can now be instantly recorded, analyzed, and widely shared. Digital tools can help create multimedia, interactive products that have contributed greatly to education and outreach initiatives worldwide.

Both the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE) are dedicated to studying, preserving, and educating the public about cultural resources. A recent internship project between these two institutions produced online lesson plans that educated students about cultural materials and the various methodologies scholars use to study them within archaeology, historic preservation, and additional cultural resource. Several of the lessons included digital technology, specifically 3D artifact models and virtual site tours. Both types of additions allow students to question and interact with featured cultural materials in novel ways. This article will detail these two tools, discuss how they were applied within the NPS/NCPE project, and provide a list of additional factors for others to consider when creating archaeological educational content using digital technology.

Rights and Access Note

All images owned by the National Park Service.

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