Diffusion of innovations for education: Anatomy resources for the iPod

Abstract

We previously studied the production and use of anatomy learning resources on handheld computers (PDAs). While these personal information devices are capable of substantial learning support functions, slow adoption and lagging sales have limited their use for pre-clinical education. In contrast, disk-based audio players, like the Apple iPod, have attained widespread distribution (>25 million units sold) and also provide multi-gigabyte storage, PC connectivity, text, color image, and recently, MPEG4 video capabilities. In an informal survey, a majority of UCLA first-year medical students reported owning or intending to buy such a player. Consistent with Rogers’ principles of diffusion of innovations, we worked on identifying and producing simple anatomy learning resources that might be easily distributed on the iPod. We used open Web sites for international distribution of a HTML-based, flashcard-like application set called iNatomy. We repurposed simple QuickTime VR 3D anatomy models for use on image-capable players. Finally, we produced instructional videos from PowerPoint slidesets, digital lecture audio and other content. Appropriately edited, videos were compact enough for Web-based “podcast” distribution, as well as displayable on video monitors or PCs. Students can thus have ready access to useful anatomy resources via the popular, freely adopted “information players” that many of them already carry. The continuing evolution and increasing computer power of such “wearable” devices can be readily exploited for education by focusing on anatomical information portability using existing PC-based data, text, HTML, and standardized multimedia formats.