Premium
Computer‐assisted instruction increased students’ ability to interpret 3D relationships and retain essential course material in undergraduate human anatomy and A&P courses
Author(s) -
Tallitsch Robert B.,
Abdel-Malek Karim,
Krippel Jaynee,
Beck Allison,
Croll Paul,
Fenwick Shirley,
Kelley Kirk,
Peters Brenda
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.530.10
Subject(s) - class (philosophy) , test (biology) , human anatomy , computer assisted instruction , course (navigation) , mathematics education , computer assisted learning , medical education , psychology , medicine , computer science , anatomy , biology , artificial intelligence , paleontology , physics , astronomy
Studies indicate that computer‐assisted instruction (CAI) may improve learning in many subject areas. Little is known about the effect of anatomical software upon learning in undergraduate Human Anatomy and A&P courses. Results from a three‐year study investigating the effect of CAI in undergraduate human anatomy and combined A&P courses demonstrated significant, positive effects upon student (n=710). (1) The Purdue Visualization of Rotations Test was administered to one‐half of the participants the first week of class each term and the remaining one‐half at the completion of the class. Statistically significant differences were seen between control (no CAI) and experimental (CAI) data. (2) Two 10‐minute, online questionnaires were administered the first week of class and at the end of the class to determine changes in students’ interest in the course. Additional data will need to be collected in year three to more fully determine whether CAI enhances student interest. (3) A Test of Essential Material was administered upon completion of the course to all participating students. Statistically significant differences were seen between no CAI and CAI data. These data demonstrate that CAI with Cyber‐Anatomy ® increases student's ability to interpret 3D relationships and retain essential course material. (All research protocols were approved by the respective institutions’ IRB.)