Wrist Osteology: Do students prefer stereoscopic lectures?

With the advent of new technology, new methods of anatomical education are emerging. One method being developed is known as the Anatatorium, a three‐dimensional stereoscopic anatomy laboratory. The efficacy of this teaching method has not yet been explored. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three teaching methods used to teach wrist osteology to second year undergraduate students. The first education modality utilized multimedia slides alone, the second, employed multimedia slides and plastic models as an aid, and the third method compounded multimedia with a 3D virtual model of the wrist. Effectiveness was measured with a short multiple‐choice quiz. Student volunteers (N=122) were randomly assigned to each teaching modality group. We hypothesized that the 3D virtual model would yield higher post‐test quiz scores compared to the other modalities. The results indicated that the student's performance on the quiz was not related to the teaching method. While no statistical difference was found between the average quiz scores of students taught with these three methods, preference indication results from the questionnaire suggested a strong affinity to the Anatatorium. If affinity to teaching mode has a positive correlation with student performance and knowledge longevity, re‐evaluation of anatomy education modalities may be warranted to enhance the educational experience.