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.