The Use of Virtual Reality Dissection Table and Mobile Anatomy Applications in Physical Therapy Anatomy Education
Purpose
The purpose of this session is to describe the use of the Anatomage virtual dissection table and mobile anatomy applications in Western University of Health Sciences’ physical therapy Anatomy courses to further enhance student understanding and engagement with course material. The session will also include student perspectives of instructor and student led virtual dissection sessions and home study using the mobile applications.
Methods/Description
The presentation will include an introduction and overview of the features of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection table, and multiple mobile applications used by students and faculty within the WesternU DPT program. A discussion of the use of the table by the instructor and students will be presented. The discussion will include student and faculty perceptions, benefits and challenges of use of the virtual material. Correlation to current research and educational trends will be made throughout the presentation. Images and video presentations of the Anatomage table will be presented. Mobile application course integration will also be demonstrated.
Results/Outcomes
Audiences will be introduced to options for virtual anatomy tools currently available. Following this presentation, the audience will understand the benefits and challenges to incorporating virtual anatomy and dissection components into existing coursework. The learner will be exposed to discussions of student and faculty perspectives on the use of instructor- and student led virtual sessions. Finally, the audience will be able to link virtual tools to evidence based educational trends.
Conclusions/Relevance to the conference theme: The Pursuit of Excellence in Physical Therapy Education
This presentation is well fitted to the conference theme of instruction strategies for the classroom and clinic. The use of the virtual tools is an educational tool that can be incorporated into the classroom and encourage student engagement with the course material. With an understanding of the material and the applications, students may also choose to utilize the presented teaching tools in the clinic for patient and colleague education.
References
Codd AM,Choudhury B. (2011). Virtual reality anatomy: Is it comparable with traditional methods in the teaching of human forearm musculoskeletal anatomy? Anatomical Science Education. 4(3), 119–125.
Mayfield, C.H., Ohara, P.T., O’Sullivan, P.S., (2012). Perceptions of a Mobile Technology on learning strategies in the anatomy laboratory. Anatomical Sciences Education. 6(2), 81-89.
Petersson H,Sinkvist D,Wang C,Smedby O. (2009). Web-based interactive 3D visualization as a tool for improved anatomy learning. Anatomical Sciences Education. 2(2), 61–68.
Trelease RB. (2008). Diffusion of innovations: Smartphones and wireless anatomy learning resources. Anatomical Sciences Education. 1(6), 233–239.