Tag Archives: Oxford Handbook of Virtuality

Ch16 “History and Cultural Heritage in Virtual Environments” sent to OUP

Digital Humanities, game, virtual heritage, visualisation, , ,

Oxford Handbook of Virtuality
Chapter 16: History and Cultural Heritage in Virtual Environments

Keywords: History, heritage, games, evaluation methods, cultural heritage, HCI, multi-user interaction, virtual worlds, virtual reality, 3D interfaces.

Abstract

Applying virtual reality and virtual world technology to historical knowledge and to cultural heritage content is generally called virtual heritage, but it has so far eluded clear and useful definitions, and it has been even more difficult to evaluate. This article examines past case studies of virtual heritage; definitions and classifications of virtual environments and virtual worlds; the problem of convincing, educational and appropriate realism; how interaction is best employed; the question of ownership; and issues in evaluation. Given the premise that virtual heritage has as its overall aim to educate and engage the general public (on the culture value of the original site, cultural artifacts, oral traditions, and artworks), the conclusion suggests six objectives to keep in mind when designing virtual worlds for history and heritage.

Oxford Handbook of Virtuality: History and heritage in virtual worlds abstract

Academic, Digital Humanities, game, virtual heritage, , ,

Here is the latest abstract for my chapter for the Oxford Handbook of Virtuality, edited by Mark Grimshaw. The chapter was written and sent to OUP some time ago, no doubt there will be changes, but I am happy to take comments or suggestions etc.

History and Heritage in Virtual Worlds

Keywords: History, heritage, games, evaluation methods, cultural heritage, HCI, multi-user interaction, virtual worlds, virtual reality, 3D interfaces.

Applying virtual reality and virtual world technology to historical knowledge and to cultural heritage content is generally called virtual heritage, but it has so far eluded clear and useful definitions, and it has been even more difficult to evaluate. This article examines past case studies of virtual heritage; definitions and classifications of virtual environments and virtual worlds; the problem of convincing, educational and appropriate realism; how interaction is best employed; issues in evaluation; and the question of ownership. Given the premise that virtual heritage has as its overall aim to educate and engage the general public (on the culture value of the original site, cultural artifacts, oral traditions, and artworks), the conclusion suggests six objectives to keep in mind when designing virtual worlds for history and heritage.

Oxford Handbook of Virtuality: History and heritage in virtual worlds

virtual heritage, , , , ,

I have been asked to write a chapter for the above book and the abstract for my chapter on  “History and heritage in virtual worlds” has just been formally accepted. There are about 50 authors (such as Brian Massumi, Bruce Damer, Michael Heim, Charles M. Ess, Angela Ndalianis and Anthony Steed) writing on various aspects of Virtuality over 53 chapters and it is a great honour to be asked to contribute in such prestigious company. Publication is expected to be in December 2012 (although some press releases seem to differ). The book will be edited by Dr Mark Grimshaw of Bolton University.

If you have virtual worlds dealing with history and heritage I’d be happy to consider reviewing, linking to or mentioning them in the chapter.