Internship focus: Improving training for public engagement in archaeology
The University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) is a 60+ year-old research laboratory, library, and curation facility on the UI campus. OSA’s 21 staff members develop, disseminate, and preserve knowledge of Iowa’s human past through archaeological research, scientific discovery, public stewardship, service, and education.
About the internship:
This project is a joint effort between the University of Iowa (UI) Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) and the Iowa Archeological Society (IAS). The 40+ year-old Iowa Archeological Certification Program builds co-creation of knowledge, encouraging dialogue between professional archaeologists and public IAS members interested in learning about and preserving the past. Specifically, the Program engages non-archaeologists through best-practices, educational readings, and hands-on field and lab training so they can assist professional archaeologists in a volunteer capacity without expenses associated with earning a degree, while learning to preserve cultural resources in their local communities. The Program is badly in need of modernizing, including being recast in online format, to increase accessibility and applicability. A goal is to involve statewide partners so that participants can complete the Program’s field and lab requirements closer to participant’s homes.
OSA seeks an intern to participate in all aspects of eLearning course planning and development to achieve the Program revitalization goals. The selected intern will receive mentorship from several members of OSA’s senior staff and interact with members of the OSA Indian Advisory Council, who will assist with review of course content. The internship does not require prior archaeological knowledge, but in the process of developing the course content the intern will have the opportunity to work with both professional archaeologists and the lay public and to learn about different perspectives on the importance of the past and how these relate to the modern world. We require an intern to strategize the best path forward to digitally communicate course content to the public and enhance the learning experience.
Intern’s work responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
- Research & Project Development – Together with OSA staff, research and evaluate options for eLearning course platforms through which to present the Iowa Archaeological Certification Program in a visually engaging and easy-to-use format for interested participants.
- Stakeholder Outreach – Follow-up on OSA staff suggestions regarding contacting stakeholders; use phone, email, and local meetings to establish content and functionality priorities for the planned digital platform.
- Learn about OSA’s work – Participate in “lunch and learn” sessions that the supervisor will organize between OSA staff and the intern.
Qualifications & Skills Preferred:
- Interest in eLearning course development
- Ability to develop materials appropriate for public audiences by working with professionals
- Familiarity with or the desire to learn about the design and development of digital applications
- Ability to make “cold calls” and meet with a variety of stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with colleagues
Supervisor: Elizabeth Reetz, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Location: Office of the State Archaeologist, 700 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City