Pixel International Conferences

It may not be practical for small institutions to start up human cadaver labs when implementing new upper level bachelor’s courses that focus on the study of human anatomy.  It is also not always useful to study the anatomy of other mammals (e.g., cats, pigs, sheep) when trying to learn about human anatomy.  One alternative is the Anatomage Table, which provides students with a life-size virtual dissection experience.  Currently, little research has been published on the effectiveness of the Anatomage as a learning tool and no research has been published that compares the effectiveness of the Anatomage when learning different organ systems.  The purpose of this case study was to examine the effectiveness of the Anatomage Table in learning the musculoskeletal system and nervous system.  This study used discussion groups and surveys as methods for collecting data.  The sample included 10 students and 1 instructor from 1 gross anatomy course and 16 students and the same instructor from 1 neurobiology course.  The findings suggest that this technology is more effective as a learning tool with the musculoskeletal system than the nervous system.  This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using the Anatomage Table in gross anatomy and neurobiology and what supplemental resources were utilized in the classroom to reinforce learning of these topics.  Recommendations for future research will also be discussed.

Reference:

[1]  Wright, S. “Student perceptions of an upper-level, undergraduate human anatomy laboratory course without cadavers”, Anatomical Sciences Education, 2012, 146-157
[2]  Maria College Institutional Research. “Maria college enrollment report fall 2016”, Maria College, 2016
[3]  Custer, T. & Michael, K. “The utilization of the anatomage virtual dissection table in the education of imaging science students”, Journal of Tomography & Simulation, 2015, 102
[4]  Fyfe, G., Fyfe, S., Dye, D., & Crabb, H. “Use of anatomage tables in a large first year core unit”, Electric Dreams, Proceedings ascilite 2013 Sydney, 2013, 298-302