Kevin E. Smith

kesmith@frank.mtsu.edu

Ed Kick

Sociology/Anthropology

N/A

Peck Hall 318

New Technology

N/A

ANTHROPOLOGY CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS Anthropology in the 21st century requires a thorough and detailed understanding of computer and related technologies. Upon graduation, Anthropology majors are presumed to have an understanding of basic field and laboratory techniques using microscopy, digital imaging, mapping, artifact analysis and computer data manipulation. To successfully compete in the job market and admission to graduate programs, students must receive hands-on classroom and field experience with the new technological tools employed in the process of collecting, interpreting, and presenting anthropological data. Integration of this equipment into numerous existing courses will provide experience with these technologies: moving from data acquisition through interpretation to presentation of results in web-based and interactive media. Approximately 250 students per semester would benefit from the proposed acquisitions. This equipment will aid our top students (including Honors students) in original research projects conducted as supervised independent studies. With the exception of gradational sieves and fossils casts, the remainder of the equipment will be presented and used as a technology package -- moving from the direct acquisition of data (calipers/balance) through analysis and finally to presentation of data in electronic and printed format. During use, equipment will be housed in a locking cabinet in Peck Hall 318 or in the MTSU Archaeology Laboratory. At other times, equipment unsuited for exposure to lab conditions will be housed in a secure area in the Black House and made accessible for student use. Equipment listed in this proposal will be used to varying extents by students in many courses, but most extensively in: ANTH 1010 Introduction to Anthropology; ANTH 3210 Archaeology; ANTH 3310 Human Origins; ANTH 3520 North American Archaeology; ANTH 3521 Mesoamerican Archaeology; ANTH 3610 Archaeological Methods; ANTH 3640 Visual Anthropology; ANTH 3650 Forensic Anthropology; ANTH 4120/5120 Practicing Anthropology; ANTH 4620 Environmental Archaeology; ANTH 4910/5910 Special Projects; ANTH 4950/5950 Archaeological Field School.