How VR & AR Are Changing Anatomy Class

Anatomy class traditionally devotes most classroom time to static presentations, dense textbooks and examination of a 3D model with limited mobility. These traditional teaching methods are occasionally supplemented by dissections.

Now imagine a classroom where learning is interactive on a daily basis, where students can explore deep into the human body and all its connected systems. By using new educational technologies, like augmented and virtual reality, teachers provide an immersive, interactive environment for students to actively engage in the learning process. New educational doors are being opened by the technologies of AR and VR.

Benefits of using AR and VR in an anatomy lab include:

  • Unlimited specimens for dissection: Cadavers play an important role in learning human anatomy, but are in limited supply and can be difficult to obtain, store and dispose of properly. With VR and AR, unlimited models of a variety of specimens are available.
  • Living systems can be examined: One limitation of working with cadavers is that students aren't able to witness the functioning of living systems. With AR and VR, all the layers and systems can be explored either individually or as a whole. Students can rotate objects, learn additional information about specific body systems, show how parts interact with each other and more.
  • Mistakes are welcome: In traditional dissection lessons, mistakes made with a scalpel cannot be undone. In digital labs, if a student makes a wrong incision she can go back and start again. Working with virtual models is a great way to practice before working on cadavers. 
  • Better educational results: A recent study found students experienced a 76 percent increase in learning outcomes when using a laboratory simulation; that number increased to 101 percent when traditional methods were used in combination with the digital technology.

Education technology for anatomy opens up new worlds to students. AR and VR solutions are the future for anatomy classrooms designed for the digital generation.

Repost from zSpace.