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As part of the European Commission 6th Framework Program, we collaborated with colleagues from eight European countries on the development of a Web based portal called MOSAICA for the preservation and exploration of Jewish cultural heritage in Europe. MOSAICA is being developed as a suite of generic technologies packaged in a usability-oriented fashion as a toolbox for knowledge based discovery, interactive, and creative educational experience. MOSAICA’s multifaceted interfaces include: a) GIS (Geographical Information System) maps - designed to allow semantic references between various information and data that are displayed on a map, b) Semantic directory - designed to allow conceptual navigation by following additional, complex semantic relations, c) Semantic search engine - designed to allow logical reasoning and semantic inference, d) Virtual Expedition – designed to allow interactive exploration through alternative trails, or through examination of the thematically pre selected semantically related content. (read more)
MOSAICA's Virtual Expeditions can be conceptualized as a path to the past via exploration of cultural heritage stories. The cultural heritage stories are desined as a collection of Heritage Items that the user is encouraged to explore.
The VE story is presented through five templates:
• The Story - a simple text presented in a book format;
• Timeline - a scrollable table with three rows: year, short description of event, and a small relevant picture;
• Maps - a single graphic file, marked with visible hotspots on it. Clicking on them displays a relevant Heritage Item;
• Family tree - consists of names and lines connecting them. Clicking on a certain name opens a Heritage Item with links to relevant websites;
• Gallery - a number of graphical templates (a room, a synagogue, outdoor location, etc.) with hidden hotspots. Clicking on hotspots opens Heritage Items with links to relevant websites.
Women in Science (7.33MB) - Download
VE Presentation
The Mendelssohn Family Tree Game
The Mendelssohn Family Tree - Rational
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VE - Virtual Expedition