Facilitating Student Understanding through Incorporating Digital Images and 3D-Printed Models in a Human Anatomy Course

Dzintra Kazoka,Edgars Edelmers,Mara Pilmane

doi:10.3390/educsci11080380

Abstract

Combining classical educational methods with interactive three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology has great power to support and provide students with a unique opportunity to use them in the study process, training, and/or simulation of different medical procedures in terms of a Human Anatomy course. In 2016, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) offered students the 3D Virtual Dissection Table “Anatomage” with possibilities of virtual dissection and digital images at the Department of Morphology. The first 3D models were printed in 2018 and a new printing course was integrated into the Human Anatomy curriculum. This study was focused on the interaction of students with digital images, 3D models, and their combinations. The incorporation and use of digital technologies offered students great tools for their creativity, increased the level of knowledge and skills, and gave them a possibility to study human body structures and to develop relationships between basic and clinical studies.

Highlights

A variety of methods and models are typically required when addressing educational challenges [1]
We describe the materials and methods that were incorporated in our educational process and highlight that these tools can be perspective elements of Sustainable Development (SD)
With virtual dissection and digital images, where all of the images can be displayed on a screen simultaneously, the study process can be more compact in comparison with traditional dissection

Summary

Introduction

A variety of methods and models are typically required when addressing educational challenges [1]. Education for sustainability is described by different models and ways. Roles of Digital Images and 3Dp Models 2.1.1. The Human Anatomy course in medical education includes different methods and tools, each with different teaching and learning goals [10]. In our experience, these tools include lectures, practical labs, and real and/or virtual dissections. Practical labs include different topics of study about the human body, where theory from lectures is combined with information from anatomical textbooks, electronic sources, and specially prepared cadaveric materials. There are many benefits to using digital images or virtual human anatomy in comparison with traditional anatomical studies [11]. Digital images can be stored on a computer disk

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