New ways of employing TLC in education: Immersive Object-Based Learning and AI Integration for Cultural Heritage Education. The case of the Restart Project

RESTART - Innovative telecommunication solutions for the enhancement and heritage experience: the totems and the Virtual Museum of the University of Tor Vergata" represents an advanced research initiative that is located at the intersection of technology, culture and education within the recovery funding project RESTART RESearch and innovation on future Telecommunications systems and networks, to make Italy more smART foundation. The main objective is to develop and implement innovative solutions in the field of telecommunications to improve accessibility, enjoyment and enhancement of cultural heritage, with a specific focus on the campus of the University of Tor Vergata. The research activity herewith described represents a use case within Spoke 8 of the RESTART project as it embodies the mission to develop innovative solutions for the experience and enhancement of cultural heritage through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and advanced educational methodologies, realized through two demonstrators, two totem installed in the engineering macro-area. Thanks to the use of augmented reality, virtual reality, and 3D digitization, the project not only promotes inclusive and immersive access to local heritage but also tests and validates replicable models of connection between culture, technology, and society. Through the installation of interactive totems, a dedicated 5G network, and devices such as VR headsets and haptic gloves, the Virtual Museum acts as an innovation laboratory for testing educational approaches like digital Object-Based Learning, which enhance users’ soft skills. Additionally, the totems play a crucial role in disseminating the results of the RESTART project and its scientific products, serving as strategic access points for communication and interaction with digital content, thereby strengthening the social and cultural impact of the initiative. The RESTART project at the University of Rome Tor Vergata herewith presented is an innovative endeavor that employs Object-Based Learning (OBL) and advanced digital solutions to redefine contemporary education. Its primary objective is to nurture essential competences for the 21st century—Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking—while emphasizing participant well-being. Central to RESTART is the Tor Vergata Virtual Museum, a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) domain featuring twenty meticulously chosen objects, which guide users through the historical and cultural richness of the local area. The experience is further enhanced by a haptic glove simulating tactile feedback, offering a multisensory approach that fosters deeper engagement and retention. Inclusivity stands at the core of RESTART’s mission. Dedicated workshops ensure that all learners, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, have equitable access to these cutting-edge educational methods. By harnessing AI-driven personalization, the initiative tailors’ experiences to individual needs, reinforcing an inclusive and adaptable environment. Of particular note is RESTART’s dual commitment to both scholarly success and holistic well-being. By tracking academic metrics alongside indicators of emotional health, the project aims to demonstrate how technologically enriched OBL can heighten engagement, comprehension, and personal satisfaction. In doing so, RESTART paves the way for future models that integrate advanced educational technologies with progressive pedagogies. Ultimately, RESTART represents a significant milestone in the fusion of digital innovations and instructional strategies. By embracing avant-garde solutions and prioritizing inclusivity, this project helps shape the future of teaching and learning, inspiring new generations to value cultural heritage while enhancing their academic and emotional development.