Teaching Underwater Cultural Heritage: Using Underwater Cameras - Emily Jateff

Emily Jateff
Adjunct Associate Lecturer, Flinders University
Curator, South Australian Maritime Museum

In 2007, the Departments of Archaeology and Screen and Media at Flinders University were given a substantial infrastructure and equipment grant to purchase an HDV camera with an underwater housing. This has inspired a combined effort in exploring methods of teaching and the practice of using cameras in the water. Initially either department had little experience filming underwater, let alone teaching best practices for archaeological usage. Since 2007, the interdisciplinary partnership has allowed for the development of knowledge to use the equipment, and then how best to use it in the context(s) of research, teaching and learning. Archaeology students knew how to dive and work underwater, and Screen students knew how to shoot and edit, but gradually we have bridged this gap so that both groups can work together on projects, combining expertise in the two areas. Having the ability to shoot underwater greatly enhances the range of research activities available to both departments as well as provides a unique opportunity for staff and students to learn in an area that is rarely taught at universities. Cross-disciplinary education in film and archaeology provides researchers and students an innovative means to enhance skills and knowledge and better inform the public through the use of digital media and practice.

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People & Blogs

Tags:

• Teaching
• Underwater
• Cultural
• Heritage