Assessing understanding of structural relationships: early lessons in a large scale virtual reality deployment

Abstract

The study and practice of medicine requires a comprehensive understanding of interactions and an accurate perception of spatial relationships within the body. Existing diagnostic, classroom, and patient education materials are limited by 2‐dimensional representations of these 3‐ dimensional associations. Virtual reality is an emerging technology that creates a more lifelike and intuitive learning experience by allowing users to interact with 3D data. This technology can be used to advance the efficiency of understanding the 3‐dimensional associations that constitute the human body.BananaVision is a networked, multiuser virtual reality tool that renders human anatomical structures for the creation of instructional content. It allows users to quickly explore structural relationships as well as identify and dissect in a virtual environment. Here we describe a large‐scale virtual reality deployment and examine its efficacy as a tool to engage students and aid in preparation for a human dissection course.Human gross anatomy dissection students were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group was provided different study tools; an anatomy atlas, autonomous use of BananaVision virtual reality, or autonomous use of BananaVision virtual reality along with a pre‐recorded instructional module. After the study period, students were required to complete an assessment of their knowledge of structural relationships. Students found the BananaVision to be an engaging and useful tool. Additionally, the study group given access to BananaVision along with the module were more efficient in their preparation. However, performance on assessments was similar between groups.As virtual reality technology is implemented in education, the field is in the early stages of evaluating meaningful processes and procedures that demonstrate measurable outcomes. This study begins to address some of the early challenges when integrating a virtual reality deployment in anatomy curriculum. As demands on gross anatomy classrooms continue to increase, it is important to identify technologies and strategies that improve efficiency.