I wanted to push this process of discovery and exploration as far as we could in the MOOC, so we also included 360 panorama photos shot in Rome and – in what I think is a first for a MOOC – 3D models of ancient buildings which learners can explore live in Kubity, a free desktop or app viewer that allows walkaround and tour modes, has a sun slider to adjust the lighting, and so on (like so many of the great tools and products I’ve encountered for 3D work, I first came across Kubity at a SketchUp Basecamp). In this course, I take learners through different themed tours of Rome’s architecture, illustrated by film footage we shot in Rome blended with digital model imagery.ģD reconstruction can really bring archaeological sites alive for people, especially those not used to black and white ground plans or interpreting ruins. I’m a Roman historian in Reading’s Department of Classics. Putting the two together seemed like a good idea, so this week the University of Reading launched a new, free 5-week MOOC on ancient Romeusing my large digital SketchUp model of the city. Read on.ĭigital modelling in SketchUp is a great way for researchers and teachers to visualise historic environments, and transmit their ideas to peers, students, and public audiences. Note: We’ve long been fans of Matthew Nicholls and his incredibly honed SketchUp chops that have been put to use modeling THE ENTIRE CITY OF ANCIENT ROME! Below, Matthew takes you through his modeling processes and talks about an exciting new MOOC he has created and that almost 10,000 people have signed up for so far.

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