STLHE 2016 SAPES

Neuroanatomy is one of the most challenging topics in anatomy, with many novice students considering it to be the most difficult, primarily due to the difficulty of developing a clear understanding of highly-complex spatial relationships that exist between structures. Of growing concern is the need to develop resources capable of minimizing the effects of students’ intrinsic individual differences such as spatial ability. Previously, 3D resources have been shown to be beneficial to learning outcomes in other spatially demanding subject areas including geography, chemistry, and mathematics, however it has yet to be investigated in the area of neuroanatomy.

An interactive 3D e-learning resource was developed that enabled students to customize the pace and order of information, freely navigate between structures and choose their preferred viewpoint. Eighty-seven participants completed the cross-over study, which separated participants into two groups. Each group completed baseline anatomy knowledge and spatial ability assessments, followed by access to either the 3D e-learning or gross anatomy resources. Participants completed a post-module anatomy assessment prior to accessing the other learning modality. A final post-module knowledge assessment was administered following exposure to the second learning modality.

Students who initially accessed the 3D module scored significantly higher on the proceeding assessment than students who initially accessed the gross anatomy laboratory. Students who accessed 3D learning resources following gross anatomy resources, significantly improved on the final assessment. A negative correlation was observed between spatial ability and change in assessment score following access to the 3D module, demonstrating students with low spatial ability experienced a greater positive effect on learning outcomes than students with high spatial ability.

Results of this study will establish evidence-based guiding principles that will facilitate the design and deployment of effective 3D e-learning resources, particularly for spatially complex disciplines including the health sciences, geography, architecture, and visual arts.