Look Back-Look Around-Look Ahead Educational Outreach Program Releases Interactive CD-ROMBy Jacqueline Devine 2003 In the feasibility-study phase of the Legacy for Iowans capital campaign, the need for enhancing the educational component of Terrace Hill became clear. Donors and grantors wanted to support more than restoration. They were interested in enabling Terrace Hill, as an educational resource, to reach out to those who might not be able to enter the massive doors at 2300 Grand, as well as to enrich the on-site learning experience.
A proposal was made to the Terrace Hill Foundation for establishing an Education Committee responsible for developing outreach and on-site education vehicles. Educational products that resulted from that proposal and the committees work include the introductory tour video, Terrace Hill Web site (www.terracehill.org), Landmark newsletter, and Terrace Hill Waltz music CD.
Soon the most complex and comprehensive of the outreach projects will be distributed free of charge to every elementary school and public library in the state: the Look Back-Look Around-Look Ahead interactive CD-ROM. The CD-ROM project was inspired by The White House Is Our House, A CD-ROM Visit, which Christie Vilsack brought back from a visit to the White House. The content of Look Back-Look Around-Look Ahead, however, is uniquely Terrace Hill, and its curriculum addresses Iowa history educational objectives.
Several years of research, writing, development and testing have resulted in a CD-ROM that includes:
- 360-degree virtual reality with zoom features
- Instant dictionary that features 600 words
- Interactive art activities, including the stained-glass window
- 24 movies that bring the people past and present of Terrace Hill to life
- Navigational map for easy exploration
- Iowa governors biographies and historic timeline
- Thought-provoking look back history lessons and learning assignments
- Observation challenges and third-floor look around opportunities
- Career look ahead activities and interviews with leaders
- 12-page teacher or user guide
The credit list for Look Back-Look Around-Look Ahead is long. It would not have been possible without the financial support of the Terrace Hill Foundation, Iowa Community Cultural Grant Program, Iowa West Foundation, Legacy for Iowans campaign donors, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, and The Integer Group.
Terrace Hill is both a governor’s residence and a historic landmark. In each role, it is an educational site. Therein is one of its greatest strengths. Administrator David L. Cordes quoted Dr. Margaret Keyes of The University of Iowa in reminding friends of Terrace Hill that “The underlying justification of all historic preservation projects is simply education.”
The Look Back-Look Around-Look Ahead CD-ROM was honored to be a participant in the Inaugural Iowa Authors Showcase. Although its content is largely historical, one observer noted that it was the only “book of the future” there. A limited number of CD-ROMs will be available for sale in the Gift Shop in April 2003. The cost is $19.95. Proceeds will help defer the cost of development and distribution.
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