Immersive Global Middle Ages Institute for Advanced Topics

FAIN: HT-281157-21

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN 37203-2416)
Lynn Ramey (Project Director: March 2021 to present)
Roger Louis Martinez-Davila (Co Project Director: June 2021 to present)

A 28-month initiative for fourteen participants to learn about the use of immersive digital technologies for teaching and learning about the Global Middle Ages through in-person and virtual workshops hosted by the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs and Vanderbilt University. 

Virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D digital environments are witnessing explosive growth in research and teaching, but faculty and staff who could benefit from these techniques do not have equal access to the tools they need. Hardware and software used in the creation of 3D environments is expensive; institutional policies and commitment are highly variable; and some who would benefit lack confidence with the technology. The Immersive Global Middle Ages Institute provides a diverse cohort of medievalists with both theoretical and practical training in the creation and implementation of 3D objects and environments for research and teaching. The Institute meets virtually every month and will have two in-person workshops over a two-year period. By the end of the Institute, participants will have considered the research around using 3D environments, developed 3D object assets and worlds, and authored teaching resources to pass on their new skills to students and colleagues.

Associated Products

Immersive Global Middle Ages Institute for Advanced Topics in the Digital Humanities (Web Resource)
Title: Immersive Global Middle Ages Institute for Advanced Topics in the Digital Humanities
Author: Martinez-Davila, Roger L. and Lynn Ramey
Abstract: This is the official website for the Immersive Global Middle Ages Institute for Advanced Topics in the Digital Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://grants.uccs.edu/igma/home/
Primary URL Description: This is the official website for the Immersive Global Middle Ages Institute for Advanced Topics in the Digital Humanities.

Stepping Back in Time to the Virtual Immersive Global Middle Ages (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Stepping Back in Time to the Virtual Immersive Global Middle Ages
Producer: “CU on the Air” explores the University of Colorado’s progressive, world-changing, life-saving resea
Abstract: Roger Martinez, associate professor in the Department of History at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, is using immersive virtual reality tools to recreate worlds that no longer exist. The Immersive Global Middle Ages project, funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities Institute for Advanced Topics in the Digital Humanities, will transport viewers back in time to experience the fifth through 15th centuries.
Date: 01/11/2022
Primary URL: http://cuontheair.blubrry.net/2022/01/11/stepping-back-in-time-to-the-virtual-immersive-global-middle-ages/
Primary URL Description: An abstract of the podcast and link to the podcast.
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Somesthetic Response in Virtual Visitors to St. Polyeuktos (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Somesthetic Response in Virtual Visitors to St. Polyeuktos
Author: Maureen McGuire
Abstract: This paper examines the bodily sensations provided to virtual visitors to the Church of Saint Polyeuktos in Constantinople. An integral component of the church was a long, 41-line epigram. A virtual simulation of the interior space allows virtual visitors to experience the interaction between the viewer, the epigram, and the interior of the church. The paper will demonstrate the utility of virtual simulation for the purpose of more deeply understanding matronage along with the somatic experience of Constantinopolitan church visitors, both elite and non-elite, from the 6th-13th centuries.
Date: 11/11/2022
Conference Name: Southeastern Medieval Association

Uncovering the Cloisters through Fordham's Medieval New York (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Uncovering the Cloisters through Fordham's Medieval New York
Author: Alice Grissom
Abstract: This paper presents the 3D construction and immersive environments developed at Fordham University to reveal the presence of medieval architecture, objects, and spaces of medievalism in New York City. Medieval New York prompts participants to consider their affective response to the medieval past, imagined and real, through a model of the original George Grey Barnard’s Cloisters. Unlike the current Met Cloisters, which combine architecture from multiple medieval sites into one, Barnard’s Cloisters were an enterprise in medievalism. By inviting participants into a space rather than merely showing it, the technology complements real-world walking itineraries that bodily engage participants with the multifarious medieval layers of the city.
Date: 11/11/2022
Conference Name: Southeastern Medieval Association

Multiculturalism and Avatars in 3D Environments (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Multiculturalism and Avatars in 3D Environments
Author: Lynn Ramey
Abstract: Creating and using immersive experiences to study the past has been shown to develop certain responses in users including empathy and engagement. These responses have also proven to be stronger and more effective at changing mindsets than other more traditional communicative methods, such as writing and reading. Thus, as we create 3D worlds to study and teach the medieval past, what are our responsibilities to those who will use these technologies? Particularly around human representation, how are we to approach digital construction of medieval societies without evoking undesirable responses (nationalism, sexism, racism) in users? This paper will look at the pros and cons of various approaches to the use of digital human bodies in virtual environments, providing concrete examples of digital avatars and suggestions for the research and construction of digital humans.
Date: 11/11/2022
Conference Name: Southeastern Medieval Association

Workbook for Summer Workshop (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Workbook for Summer Workshop
Author: Roger Martinez-Davila
Abstract: This workbook was designed to help participants through the design process for their projects. It was distributed as a .pdf file for them to use with their own students. See uploaded files.
Year: 2022
Audience: Undergraduate

Survey of participants (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Survey of participants
Author: Roger Martinez-Davila
Author: Lynn Ramey
Author: Gavin Rogers
Abstract: This survey following the 2022 summer workshop asks participants for feedback about the workshop sessions (virtual and in-person) and suggestions for improving the Institute. This survey could be used in classrooms to get feedback from different audiences in order to tailor the materials accordingly.
Year: 2022
Audience: Other

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