Instructor Praise for Revealing^® Archaeology

I am a fan of Revealing^® Archaeology. It provides an engaging and thoughtful introduction to the field and most importantly, gives students "hands on" experiences that have been difficult to incorporate into my introduction to archaeology course before.

To be honest, I've been skeptical about using software as a teaching aid; I liked the course I taught, the book I used, and the exercises I'd developed in the past 10 years of teaching. I didn't think the available software introduced students to the range of challenges we encounter in archaeology and, given the added expense and hassle, I've relied on traditional aids--a textbook, films, handouts.

Well, after one term of using Revealing^® Archaeology, I see that this software does what a textbook-based course simply cannot do. The method and theory of archaeology is introduced in a series of chapter-like modules, illustrated with stunning photographs and line drawings from around the world and a variety of archaeological projects. This is impressive, but in format not materially different from what students could learn from a textbook. What is distinctive about the software (and the student's learning experience) are the clever, well-designed exercises, simulations of activities that students carry out as they work through the modules. Using the mouse and keyboard, students actually seriate a set of ceramics assemblages, correlate stratigraphic beds across a valley, figure out which items make good index fossils, negotiate a land-use agreement, excavate a multi-component site, and graph results of an analysis. And these are just a few examples. Students get as close to doing archaeology as possible without actually getting in the field or taking a lab class.

In short, I strongly recommend Revealing^® Archaeology for use in introduction to principles (method and theory) in archaeology. It was a joy to teach from and I'm absolutely convinced that students have a deeper, richer understanding about how archaeology "works" than they obtained from the text-based approach I've used in previous years.

Most sincerely,

Virginia L. Butler
Associate Professor
Department of Anthropology
Portland State University

I have used Revealing Archaeology for several years now.  I find that students have a better understanding of the nuances of fieldwork and the interpretation of archaeological sites than they did when I used a traditional textbook.

Many former students have told me they’ve gone back to their CD over the years to revisit topics and because they enjoyed the learning process so much. The technical support Thinking Strings provides is extraordinary! They always respond quickly, knowledgably and patiently to the students and to me. They have shown great flexibility in resolving issues that arise and responding to all of our needs and questions.

Debra L. Gold
Professor of Anthropology
St. Cloud State University

Revealing^® Archaeology is the most effective text I have used in more than ten years of teaching introductory archaeology classes.

Attractive, witty, and simple to use, Revealing^® Archaeology seamlessly blends perspectives and examples from the Old and New Worlds and from historic and prehistoric contexts. Using simulated survey, excavation and analysis sections, it effectively engages students in the technical aspects of fieldwork. I was especially impressed by how Revealing^® Archaeology moves the student from the discovery phase of research, through the mechanics of sampling, analysis, and quantification to the ethical and interpretive issues of contemporary archaeology.

Not having much experience using multimedia or internet-based learning technologies, I approached Revealing^® Archaeology with no small amount of anxiety. However, the Thinking Strings¨ staff and technical support were always helpful in smoothing over the inevitable rough patches at the beginning and throughout the semester. There was not one single problem my students encountered that Thinking Strings¨ was unable to solve promptly and effectively.

John J. Shea
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Stony Brook University

The most sophisticated interactive educational software I've encountered; it raises the bar high for this mode of study.

Its engaging style makes even the detailed mechanics of dating methods appealing! It is so versatile that, depending upon the nature and size of the class, I've used it as a primary "text" as well as a complementary homework vehicle.

Thinking Strings¨ student support is spectacular, and the continuous updating of scholarly references for every topic covered is impressive. The three-dimensionality of the exercises offer effective practice of everything from excavation to faunal analysis.

Anne Pike-Tay
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Vassar College

After nearly two decades of teaching Introduction to Archaeology I have found the perfect solution to engage students in the field of archaeology. That solution is Thinking Strings^® Revealing^® Archaeology.

Classroom lectures are reinforced with interactive homework exercises that engage the students in the excitement of archaeology. All this without additional paperwork to physically handle and grade. It will revolutionize the teaching of introductory archaeology.

The Revealing^® Archaeology CD-ROM from Thinking Strings^® has provided a terrific, experiential learning environment for my archaeology students.

Students can explore areas of archaeology at their own pace and are exposed to more topics than I can cover in class. Several students have commented that they really like having a CD-ROM instead of a textbook because it is much more interactive.

In addition, the Thinking Strings^® support team is wonderful. They are quick to respond to questions from myself and my students. Because of this, I don't have to worry about technical issues and can concentrate on my pedagogy.

Renee B. Walker
Assistant Professor
Department of Anthropology
SUNY College at Oneonta

The exercises are creative and relevant, and are the next best thing to hands-on archaeological experience.