Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to presents some of the experiences resulting from the creation of virtual learning collection of materials for theoretical and practical students training in the field of Cultural Heritage. The specific objectives are targeted primarily at students and involve: the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for identification, documentation and classification of types and categories of heritage, getting new knowledge about historical events and places that are unique for Europe’s diversity of cultures. This activities is part of the research project “Models of Cultural Heritage Socialization in a Smart City” (ДН05/3, 14/12/2016), implemented by the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, funded by the Scientific Research Fund with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria. The working hypothesis is based on the need to introduce innovative methods on teaching and learning in the system of university education in our country in the field of cultural heritage.
Based on its teaching and research experience in the field of cultural heritage and on examples of good practices, the research team developed a thematic project which became the foundation for creating a software program for an academic virtual collection "Cultural and Historical Heritage". The methodology contains three main steps: collecting and systematizing a database; creating a thematic concept; structuring the main sections. Emphasis is placed on topics that address contemporary cultural policies, the expanding structure of the types of cultural heritage, sustainable development, issues of socialization, cultural corridors and cultural tourism, the harmonization of the legislative framework, cultural heritage at risk. The virtual academic resource is structured into two main sections. The first includes collection of a bibliographic database for publications - books, articles and documents. The second section includes: photo materials, photo annotations, field studies. The thematic structure consist academic collections on: Cultural Policy; Institutions - archives, museums, libraries; Archaeological Heritage (including Thracian heritage); Architectural Heritage, urban spaces and ensembles; Documentary and Literary heritage; Documents - conventions, recommendations, declarations, expert reports from international organizations.
The following can be listed as the fastest achieved results: increased interest, awareness and access of students to materials diverse in subject, form and content; inclusion of new educational content and interactive forms of training in the academic process. It is expected that the presented model will contribute to raising the quality of education and training of students and to the wider use of visual materials and multimedia products in the research and teaching activities.

Keywords:

Cultural Heritage, University education, Research Project.