YOUNG DIGITAL HERITAGE CURATORS
Objectives
Working with schools, museums, historic sites and other cultural organisations, we offer a unique programme of soft skills development for young people, based on the digital exploration and presentation of heritage. Each programme is collaborative and tailor-made to suit the local features and specific interests of the places and people involved.
Many people think that heritage education is simply about teaching children and young people about monuments and artefacts for their own sake. However innovative and interactive the tools and activities used to engage audiences, the focus is mainly on the past. Our approach reverses this traditional relationship: we see cultural heritage as a resource for young people’s development, rather than an end in itself
Benefits
For students:
Digital, research and presentation skills
Key life skills (communication, critical thinking and collaboration)
Career insights in the field of heritage, arts and museums
Enhanced CVs
Personal satisfaction and recognition
Accreditation through digital badges, culminating in a certificate of achievement
For schools:
Curriculum enrichment
Added value to careers advice
Improved students’ engagement and attitude to learning
Increased attainment
Closer relations with local heritage organisations and wider community
For heritage organisations:
Enhanced education offer
Deeper community engagement and relationship with schools
Reaching new audiences – locally and internationally
More immersive digital resources
Professional development of staff (digital and training skills)
Inspiring the employees, leaders and supporters of tomorrow
Delivery models
The programme works best with mixed groups of 6-12 students aged 16+. Where appropriate, we will consider other age groups. Programme delivery can be configured to the requirements of the school and the capacity of the heritage organisation, ranging from one week to 3 months. It can also be a great work experience opportunity for suitable students.
Format
The programme generally consists of 4 modules:
1. Discover. Students think about the idea of heritage and why it is important. They are encouraged to show curiosity about the places and people around them, the way that these have shaped public space and society, and the hidden stories they contain. They meet local experts and learn about the site or theme to be explored.
2. Explore. Going deeper into the site, museum or local theme, students learn about professional aspects such as archives, heritage management and the relationship with the public. They decide how to present this heritage in a way that can engage their peers – and the wider public – through digital media. They create a storyboard for a set of 360 VR resources.
3. Record. We introduce students to the concept of immersive storytelling, using some simple and accessible 360 camera equipment. They will learn key principles of effective film making. After some preparatory exercises, they create a substantive set of digital materials based on their storyboards.
4. Share. Students learn how to use a virtual tour platform. They edit and upload the materials which they have created. Finally they present their work and their learning at public showcase events at the heritage site, in their school, and online.
