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GeoDome brings learning alive in 21st century

Science - Biology

AARNet is demonstrating its inflatable dome, interactive software, immersive learning, digital projector, three-dimensional, high-definition GeoDome theatre that it says will "engage Australian students and make the curriculum come alive."


Australian Academic and Research Network, or AARNet, is a not-for-profit company in Australia that provides Internet services to educational and research facilities throughout Australia.

It is backed by 37 universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), which is the Australian organization for scientific research.

The press release “AARNet demonstrates 'GeoDome' inflatable high-definition 3D theatre for first time in Australia” states that GeoDome is being demonstrated for the first time in Australia at the annual QUESTnet 2009 Conference, being held at the RACV Royal Pinces Resort, Gold Coast.

The conference goes from July 7-10, 2009. QUESTnet is short for Queensland Education Science & Technology Network.

The conference attendees will see a video of the “Digital Universe Atlas” that will be “… guided remotely by NASA [U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration], the American Museum of Natural History or any of the partners in the GeoDome network. This will include 1080-pixel high-definition video feeds through a fish-eye lens in real time.” [PRwire]

The Elumenati is the company that actually created the GeoDome. Its president, Doug Matthews, comments on its creation. Matthews says, “The GeoDome was designed to provide users with transformative learning experiences. By presenting complex concepts in an immersive, easy-to-understand, visual context, learners of all ages can benefit.” [PRwire]

GeoDome is mobile. It goes to the classroom and can be assembled in under one-half hour.

Once setup, it “provides a fully enclosed, immersive theatre environment for a classroom of students. It enables audiences to navigate through, interact with and collaborate on high-definition images, video and presentations.” [PRwire]

Page two contains websites to see GeoDome in action.