| Project | CEREN WEB RESOURCE & IVEE (Interactive Visual Education Environments) |
| Contact | Jen S. Lewin |
| lewin@ucsub.colorado.edu | |
| URL | http://ceren.colorado.edu |
| Project description | Project One: CEREN WEB RESOURCE Ceren is an agricultural village in El Salvador, buried in volcanic ash nearly fourteen centuries ago. Registers as a UN world Heritage site and called the "Pompeii of the new world", Ceren offers exciting opportunities to study household archaeology. We have used computer graphics and modeling to provide three-dimensional views of Ceren, employing interactive displays and web-based learning environments to link visual images with original excavation data. Finding demonstrate that computer models and images augment students understanding and often lead to new interpretations. We have used QuickTime Virtual Reality (QTVR), Director animations, Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) and JAVA applets to build an interactive Web based environment that connects computer visualization and quantitative site data. Our interactive Ceren web site has lead the way in developing hypermedia based research and learning tools. At present the site is used in several anthropology classes. Early preliminary test results show that students are able to both learn more from the Ceren Web resource, and develop a better understanding of the original Ceren structures The Site is currently on line at http://ceren.colorado.edu Project TWO IVEE (Interactive Visual Education Environments). IVEE attempts to create a shell system to allow educators to build interactive visual learning tools on the web, without technical knowledge. Interactive Visual Education Environments are multimedia, web based education tools that allow students to navigate and explore information through an image interface. Similar to exploring a video game, data is linked by interactive images, games, movies and virtual realty. IVEE is different from web authoring software as its outcome is specifically tailored to emulate educational interfaces like the Ceren site, that have clearly demonstrated success as learning tools. Project IVEE will create two tools for educators in all fields. First, a comprehensive tutorial on web multimedia and its place in education. Second a CD-ROM tool kit with software, links to educational site, studies and projects, templates and example sites. |
| Theoretical background | Our research has been directed through several studies, findings, and precedents. To begin, early Ceren work was based on finding, demonstrated in the 1997 Automation in Construction 6 Journal, and presented at the 1996 ACADIA conference, Titled "Resolving archaeological site data with 3D computer modeling: the case of Ceren" (Lewin, Gross). Findings include evidence of greater understanding when using computer models and graphics in research . Later systems work and findings were demonstrated in the 1997 CAD Futures Munich conference, titled "Not Just Another Pretty Face: Images and Arguments in an Anthropology Web Site." (Lewin, Ehrhardt, Gross). We are currently doing a preliminary usability test of the Ceren site with students at the University of Colorado Anthropology School. Early investigations revile that students demonstrate a greater understanding, both of the physical structures as well as textual theories, from the web site. We are funded by the University of Colorado Teaching and Technology Grant programs, and work in the Architecture Schools Sundance Laboratory. Current research includes a liaison with the Universities ATLAS program to develop guidelines regarding the future of computing technology in education on campus. |
| Challenges | -The place of web based tools in the class room. -The types of information that are successful as learning tools on the web; For example game playing, interactive visuals associated with text, on-line discussions, the ability to create your own learning tools on-line as a student. -The reality of creating educational web tools. How can these web sites be created easily, by teachers who do not have the time or experience to create an interactive, content rich, and useful site for their classes? -What makes a good educational web site? If we were to develop a template, what would it include?
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| Partnership | We are looking for both industry and academic partnerships with groups interesting in the future of teaching and technology on the web. Primarily in groups that are interested in studying, and developing interesting, innovative, new web templates for education. We would also be very interested in working with groups interested in Web based games, to help develop the templates to allow teachers and students to easily create their own multimedia games. |