A MULTIDIMENSIONAL MODEL FOR PLACE-BASED EDUCATION THROUGH A CROSS-MEDIA APPROACH AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES. THE T-PLACE PROJECT

Abstract. In the world, Italy, and Tuscany in particular, is the country with the highest number and concentration of UNESCO Heritage sites. To fully understand, preserve and promote the richness of these areas, different research perspectives must be kept together and a proper educational approach to the places is needed to fully valorise this asset, which also has the highest economic value in the tourism industry. The T-PLACE project, funded by the PNR 2021-2027 and currently running at the University of Florence, aims at creating an inclusive and participatory model of cultural education focused on place and its assets, also exploiting new technologies such as the X-Reality and 3D modelling. T-PLACE is grounded on a strong multidisciplinary approach, ranging from Educational Technology to Historical Geography to Geomatics, that will be implemented with a full-range pilot in the surrounding of Florence, in the area of Sesto Fiorentino, of particular interest for its diffused cultural heritage and social testimonies. T-PLACE will actively involve the citizenship in training, documenting, and exploring activities with the objective of encouraging the digital transition in the interpretation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage and contributing to the formation of resilient, inclusive and cohesive societies.