Das Ende des Frontalunterrichts. Beobachtungen zu Archäologie und Web 2.0 im Frühling 2011

Abstract

In March 2011, the German tabloid „Bild“ launched an expedition to Lake Izabal in Eastern Guatemala. Reporters and a „Maya expert“ wanted to find eight tons of Maya gold in a supposed sunken city. This article examines on the basis of this „treasure hunt“ how scientists can participate in and influence such scenarios. Against the background of two qualitative surveys – of archaeologists and „Bild“ readers - the opportunities and risks of blogs, Facebook comments and Wikipedia articles for the non-scientific representation and reception of archaeological facts are discussed. How do social media and networks change the communication of scientists and citizens? What steps do archaeologists need to go, who want to use the new possibilities?