Author(s): Caleb Hoffman, Remi Cummings
Mentor(s): Sarah Brock, Jennifer Mraz-Craig
Institution SUU
The study of human anatomy is a fundamental aspect of medical and health science education. Traditional methods of teaching include using cadavers, 3-D models, as well as 2-D images/diagrams. Given the significance of spatial reasoning and memorization in the study of human anatomy, virtual reality (VR) technology has significant potential to improve anatomy education at a secondary and post-secondary level. Virtual reality offers a novel, engaging, and immersive method to study the human body. Using virtual reality technology, students have increased access to hands-on experience in all human body systems outside of normal class time. Students in undergraduate Human Anatomy laboratory courses had the option to use VR anatomical software and Oculus VR headsets to assist their learning. Headsets were available in the human anatomy lab, campus library, and the AR/VR Classroom (opened in January, 2024) for students to use outside of class time. Students completed a total of seven feedback questionnaires throughout the semester (a pre-questionnaire, five system-specific questionnaires, and a post-questionnaire), describing how they used VR to aid them in studying and what they thought about the use of this technology in education. Students also provided information about how they felt VR compared to more traditional study methods, such as flashcards and study groups. Our research focused on students’ perceived effectiveness of VR as a study practice and how VR ranked among other study practices. This presentation will discuss the results of incorporating VR headsets into Human Anatomy laboratory courses at a primarily undergraduate institution in Utah.