Digital Ethnography Of Fiji

Empowering people to portray their Culture Through Technology

Outline Introduction / Background 2.Goals 3.In the Field 4.Final Product 5.Conclusion

The Background Information Revolution is evolving Anthropological field work and cultural learning. There is very little existing field research in Digital Ethnography. The idea of empowering a culture to portray themselves is relatively new to Anthropology.

The Goals Create a Model for Future digital ethnography projects. Establish a perpetual cross cultural communication between American and Fijian High School students. Create an effective interactive web based cultural learning tool.

In the Field Implemented during a 3 month term abroad in Rakiraki Fiji Funded by a grant from the KECK Foundation 8 Digital Still Cameras 2 Digital Camcorders 2 Audio Recording Devices Union Term Abroad Students: Multimedia materials (photos, audio, video) Field notes, Ethnographic papers Nakauvadra (Fijian) High School Students: Cultural Identity Research Individual Web Pages Cultural Group Projects Nakauvadra High School Web Page Web Cam Conference Local Fijians: Primary source on Fijian culture Multimedia (photos, videos, audio)

Final Product Dissemination of ethnographic materials Interactive Cultural Learning Cross Cultural Communication

Conclusion Provides a model for future work in Digital Ethnography Learning environment being utilized by both Fijian and American students Unexpected Successes and Failures Dynamic Technical Structure is integral Project has met the initial criteria for success Ease of Use Effective dissemination of information Continual cross cultural communication Engaging interactive features Accepted into education curriculums

Digital Ethnography Of Fiji