Topic or Tool: Ancient Rome in Google. Wow. Google has released an “Ancient Rome 3D” layer for their popular Google Earth browser. The new layer shows many of the buildings and structures that made up the city during the rule of Constantine the Great. Some of the buildings even have interiors.
What does it cost? FREE as part fo the Google Earth tool. Another great amazing tool.
How it could be used for teaching?
I recently read about hi tech 3D immersive education at a school costing serious investment and although not fully immersive, it is free. This product allows you to;
- Fly into Rome as it looked in 320 A.D.
- Tour the interior of famous buildings.
- Visit the sites in 3D such as the Roman Forum, Colosseum and the Forum of Julius Caesar.
- Learn about how the Romans lived.
Dont expect me to tell you how to use this tool, be imaginative, but Google also announced a curriculum competition in conjunction with the release. Educators who create the most interesting curricula based lessons around the Ancient Rome 3D layer will receive a range of goodies. Maybe HIAS can offer goodies for the best shared resources? Would that encourage educators to share?
Watch the Youtube press video here.
How it could be used for learning?
Not having spent that long in ancient Rome, you could certainly set an orienteering task, a Roman treasure hunt. As the competition gaunlet has been laid down, can we put forward an offering to compete with our Amerian counterparts? Post your ideas here of contribute to the Google Doc.
I hope to send out the invites real soon.