ACQUIRING FRAGMENTS OF THE HISTORY: USING 3D MODELS IN THE TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS

Technologies have opened new ways to deal with different methodologies in the teaching-learning process. Among others, digital content, defined as "all content that is electronic in nature that supports or acts as the curriculum and helps students learn", is a very powerful tool that has changed the methodology of work for students and teachers. Video, music, web 2.0 or electronic encyclopaedias are some of the most usual digital content components. 3D models can be considered as one more of these elements. A 3D model is a computer representation of the three-dimensional surface of an object. This paper deals with the description of the work that must be carried out to incorporate 3D models to the teaching-learning process. As well, it is devoted to show the potential of this new digital content, which has turned out to be a very versatile tool for all the levels in the educational process, ranging from Primary School to the Higher Education Area. Specifically, we focus on the digitalization of ancient roman sculptures belonging to the National Museum of Roman Art in Spain and its implications in the educational field. Finally, we also aim to show that beyond the computer graphics and computer vision research involved in cultural heritage 3D modelling, the interdisciplinary aspects and social and educational benefits that can come out of this type of digital content are outstanding.