Anthropological conversations: Augmented reality enhanced artifacts to foster education in cultural anthropology

Luca Simeone*, Salvatore Iaconesi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/conference proceedingArticle in proceedingResearchpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents a prototype for an application based on a CMS (Content Management System) connected to an augmented-reality engine that allows final users to publish, read and experience multimedia content tied to specific components of physical artifacts. When the physical artifacts are placed under a webcam, a pre-trained 3D feature recognition system scans the entire figure trying to identify some specific components. If any of these elements are recognized, the system retrieves and shows educational content from selected sources (texts, videos, pictures). We created a first instance of this framework and applied it to the Minkisi, artifacts from Congo that are claimed to possess spiritual qualities. Studies on Minkisi play a crucial role in the history of cultural anthropology and in the current ethnographic agenda. The aim of this research project is then to create a learning tool that empowers anthropological scholars and students allowing them to publish their own content on the Minkisi and to access some of the stories that make these ethnographic artifacts alive and powerful.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2011 11th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2011
Number of pages3
Publication date2011
Pages126-128
Article number5992282
ISBN (Print)9780769543468
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Event2011 11th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2011 - Athens, GA, United States
Duration: 6 Jul 20118 Jul 2011

Conference

Conference2011 11th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAthens, GA
Period06/07/201108/07/2011
SponsorTechnical Committee IEEE Learning Technology (LT), IEEE, ICALT, The University of Georgia
SeriesProceedings of the 2011 11th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2011

Keywords

  • Augmented reality
  • Component
  • Constructionism
  • Enhanced learning
  • Mathetics

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