Overview
This course provides introductory training for archaeologists and cultural heritage professionals who are new to artificial intelligence (AI) and want to understand what machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and large language models (LLMs) are, how they are useful in archaeology, and how they may be used to enhance research, reporting and productivity. This program will also address how to use these emerging technologies responsibly. This intensive, one-week, in-person training session introduces participants to these technologies from the ground up.
No prior programming experience is required. Participants will explore the most common uses of ML in archaeology, including automated structure detection, artefact classification, geographic reasoning, predictive modelling, and textual analysis. Participants will train, run and evaluate simple models in guided workshops.
Participants will also learn how chatbots and other LLM-based tools generate and utilize text, why they “hallucinate” and how to fact-check their outputs against the archaeological record. Students will discuss what is at stake when these tools enter heritage decision-making, such as the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s initiative to use AI in Section 106 reviews and learn the basics of FAIR and CARE data principles. This course is designed for heritage management and archaeology professionals and students who wish to become informed, early adaptors but critical users of AI tools.
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Lecture on spatial data processing
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Student processing data
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Image of site for AI processing
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AI application for surface collection
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Heat map generated to show artifact density
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AI generated human/machine hybrid
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Student examening a drone
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Assesing predictive ML modeling
Instructor(s)
All field school directors are experts in their field and passionate about their work. To discuss the suitability of this program for your career goals – whether within or outside academia – you are invited to contact the directors directly. For a broader discussion which ARC program to choose, you are welcome to contact our staff directly – you can do that through our “Contact Us” page.
Testimonials & Program evaluation
Student Fees (Tuition)
What is Covered
- DEPOSIT IS PART OF TOTAL TUITION COST
- Costs of Instruction
- Cost of Academic Credit Units
- Cost of Software & Computer Time
- Liability & Accident Insurance
Read Before You Pay
- Application: You must apply online for this program – application is free
- Deposit: A $300 nonrefundable deposit (part of the total tuition cost) is required to secure a space in the program
- Credit Card Fee: Payments with credits cards incur 3% processing fee
- Late Fee: A $100 Late Fee will be added to the program costs if tuition is not paid in full by payment deadline
- Cancellation Policy: Carefully read our Cancellation Policy before committing to attending our programs
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is not provided by ARC. Such policies have changed due to Covid 19. If you wish to purchase an insurance policy that covers pandemic contingencies, explore Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) plans. Insuremytrip or Travel Guard are possible websites where you may explore different insurance policies.
Accommodations
This program provides no room and board.
Diet
This program provides no room and board.
Travel Information
Students will meet with project staff members on Monday morning, the first day of field school, at 8:30 am at the Digital Archaeology Laboratory, Northern Arizona University. The laboratory is located in Building #52, Bilby Research Center.
Visa Information
This is a domestic program, and no visa is needed for U.S. Citizens.
Non-US Citizens are asked to check the United States embassy website at their home country for specific visa requirements.
Meeting Point
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mon (1st day of field school) | 8:30am | Digital Archaeology Laboratory, Northern Arizona University |
If you missed your connection or your flight is delayed, please call, text or email project director(s) immediately. A local emergency cell phone number will be provided to all enrolled students.
Safety
Our primary mission is student education. Traveling and conducting field work involves risk and students interested in participating in any field schools must weigh whether the potential risk is worth the value of education earned. While risk is inherent in everything we do, we do not take risk lightly. We engage in intensive review of each field school location prior to approval and continue to monitor conditions on the ground to ensure a safe and wholesome education experience.
Students attending our international programs are covered by a comprehensive Health Insurance Policy that covers physical illness or injury, mental or chronic conditions and medical evacuation – if needed. This insurance policy has no deductibles and 100% of the costs are covered up to $250,000 (for more, see here). In addition, we provide Political & Natural Disaster Evacuation policy, which allows us to remove students from program location if conditions change.
Students attending our domestic programs (within the US) must have their own health insurance. Program directors are familiar with local authorities and if in need of evacuation, local emergency services and/or law enforcement will be notified and activated.
We have an explicit and robust Harassment & Discrimination Policy, outlined on our Health & Safety page. If students feel they cannot discuss personal safety issues with program staff, they are welcome to call the ARC emergency hotline and talk directly with an ARC staff member.
Call (+1 323 740-1805) or email (admin@anthroctr.org) if you have questions about the safety of any program.