An Experiential Educational Journey through Literacy, Heritage, and Innovation

Overview

“Discovering our Digital Self” is a multi-phase educational initiative designed to empower adolescents through digital literacy, cultural exploration, and creative innovation. The activity blends storytelling, local heritage, and digital transformation to foster identity, empathy, and 21st-century skills.

Phase 1: Digital Literacy Campaign

Goal: Equip students with critical digital skills and ethical awareness.

• Workshops on online safety, cyberbullying prevention, and digital identity.
• Interactive modules on media literacy, responsible sharing, and digital footprints.
• Creative storytelling exercises using avatars, blogs, and visual narratives.
• Student-led mini-campaigns: “My Digital Voice” posters, reels, and podcasts.

Phase 2: Discovering Local Legends through Digital Tools

Goal: Reconnect youth with Romanian cultural heritage using modern technology.

• Students explore local legends (e.g., Meșterul Manole, Baba Dochia, or Prahova-specific tales).
• Use apps like Google Earth, StoryMapJS, or Canva to visualize and narrate legends.
• Create bilingual digital storybooks or animated slideshows.
• Invite elders or local artists for intergenerational storytelling circles.

Phase 3: Digital Hackathon – Reimagining the Romanian Folk Costume

Goal: Foster innovation by blending tradition with technology.

• Students form teams to “hack” the folk costume: reinterpret symbols, textures, and meanings.
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• Students scan Romanian opinci (traditional leather shoes), using  3D scanner or photogrammetry techniques to digitally preserve and reinterpret them.
• Propose apps or filters that teach the symbolism of Romanian motifs.
• Final showcase: “From Threads to Pixels” – a virtual gallery or live exhibition, using Canva

Outcomes & Impact

• Strengthened digital citizenship and cultural identity.
• Increased student engagement through experiential learning.
• Scalable models for interdisciplinary education.
• Celebration of Romanian heritage in a future-forward format.

Scanning the Romanian Opinci

To scan Romanian opinci (traditional leather shoes), you can use 3D scanning or photogrammetry techniques to digitally preserve and reinterpret them.

What Are Opinci?

Opinci are traditional Romanian peasant sandals made from a single piece of leather, gathered and tied around the foot. They vary by region and are among the oldest forms of footwear in Southeast Europe eliznik.org.uk iiromanesti.ro.

Why Scan Opinci?

• Preserve cultural heritage in digital format.
• Integrate into educational apps or AR experiences.
• Use in hackathons for reimagining folk costume digitally.
• Create 3D models for virtual museums or storytelling platforms.

How to Scan Opinci – Two Main Methods

1. Photogrammetry (DIY-friendly)

Use a smartphone or camera to take multiple photos from all angles.

• Tools: Free apps like Polycam, RealityScan, or Meshroom.

Steps: 

-Place opinci on a neutral background with good lighting.

-Take 30–100 overlapping photos from different angles.

-Upload to the app to generate a 3D model.

• Output: Export as .OBJ or .GLTF for use in design tools or AR.

2. 3D Scanning (High precision)

Use a handheld 3D scanner or structured light scanner.

• Tools: Revopoint POP, Artec Eva, or iPhone with LiDAR.
• Steps: 

-Calibrate the scanner.

-Slowly scan the opinci from all sides.

-Clean and texture the model in software like Blender or Fusion 360.

• Output: High-resolution 3D model with textures.

What You Can Do With the Scan

• Animate the opinci in storytelling apps.
• Create interactive lessons on Romanian costume symbolism.
• Use in your digital hackathon to prototype wearable tech or AR filters.
• Print miniatures for classroom exhibitions or museum kits.

Tips for Best Results

• Use natural light or soft studio lighting to avoid shadows.
• Ensure no background clutter—a plain surface helps.
• If leather is reflective, use matte spray or powder to reduce glare.