Role of three dimensional (3D) modelling as a pedagogic tool for heritage and tourism studies

This paper details a multimedia instructional strategy in which curriculum is integrated with 3D modelling exploration to enhance user visualisation for two-dimensional graphics and pictorial representations. A pilot user study was performed for multimedia heritage interpretation, a core module at Anglia Polytechnic University UK. In the final stages of the course, 3D modelling of different heritage sites was integrated as a design study medium. We compared two cohorts from two academic years, following the above module. Qualitative results suggest that the integration of 3D environments in a conventional academic course can be engaging and beneficial in improving learning capabilities. Throughout this study, the respective curricula and views expressed by lecturers and students served as test bed to assess whether this paradigm has good potential to be used to create novel resources for different undergraduate curriculum. Further, we discuss the limitations of this approach on learning process.