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A Comparison of Commercial Anatomy Educational Software
Author(s) -
Attardi Stefanie M,
Rogers Kem A
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.530.13
Subject(s) - computer science , clarity , software , component (thermodynamics) , gross anatomy , rendering (computer graphics) , multimedia , software engineering , human–computer interaction , anatomy , computer graphics (images) , medicine , biology , biochemistry , physics , programming language , thermodynamics
An online version of an existing undergraduate, systemic human anatomy course is under development. To accommodate the laboratory component of the online section, commercially available anatomy educational software will be used to demonstrate 3D structures via application sharing within a virtual classroom. Eleven anatomy software programs were reviewed to determine their suitability, on the basis of: quality of digital models (resolution, comprehensiveness of anatomical structures and labels, inclusion of cross sectional anatomy), volumetric data used to create models, manipulation of models (virtual dissection, rotational axes, vantage points, rendering speed), program functionality (saving and sharing dissections, querying for structures, ease of use of the menu) and cost. The software we reviewed will not meet all of our online teaching needs. No program was found to have sufficient anatomical detail and visual clarity of digital models for the central nervous system (CNS). Supplementary online materials for the CNS component of the course will be developed to use in conjunction with one of the eleven existing software packages. Grant Funding Source : Departmental Funding