Agent-based modelling for archaeologists

Program objectives

The primary objective of the project is to create Open access and open source Educational Resources (OERs) for training in Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) for Archaeologists. These OERs will be HTML- and JavaScript-based so learners and trainers can use them on any device with a browser, even if the device is not connected to the internet. The OERs consist of hands-on practical exercises, taking learners through the process of creating the digital models. And they will be modular and can therefore be used independently or incorporated into other teaching tools, like learning management systems.

They will be 'method-agnostic' so they can be incorporated into any tools from self-teaching to MOOCs. This will be supported by the secondary objectives: creating support materials to encourage use of the OERs, including competency matrices. As a result users can track and demonstrate their skills and 'how-to' guides to help trainers incorporate OERs into their training delivery.

The materials will be based on the book ‘Agent-Based Modelling for Archaeology: Simulating the Complexity of Societies’ in collaboration with the first author of the book. Through agent-based modelling, we can create fine-scale models of behaviour over time and space, that may reveal important, general patterns of human activity. Educating archaeologists in such digital skills will improve their means to gain new insights into their domain.

Partners

Landward Research (Ireland), Aarhus Universitet (Denmark), University of Leiden (Netherlands), Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Sustainable Areas and Soil Transition, and Ambient Intelligence)

Duration

01-03-2022 until 01-03-2024

More information

Contact Jeroen Linssen:

Financing

This project is financed by the Erasmus+ EU programme for education, training, youth and sport.