MacAnatomy Pathology Learning Tool Project

Abstract

MacAnatomy is the current online portal, which was developed for the Education Program in Anatomy at McMaster that allows students to easily access learning content. Previous analysis of student perceptions of the website have guided the development of specific pathology learning tools. Prototypes were then developed using the six themes elucidated from student interviews that were most requested: design & layout, user interface, learning approach, assessment, multimedia, and maintenance.Data was collected from 24 interviewees that had all participated in the anatomy curriculum, then those transcripts were analyzed by five independent assessors. We found that students predominantly placed value in having self‐assessments that were seamlessly integrated within their content. These could be as simple as incorporating exercises that allow for the comparison of pathological states to normal. One important aspect of increasing the appeal to students is ensuring the interface is maintained and updated, as well as having a modern aesthetic to design and layout. Another highly requested feature was to ensure that the learning tool content was relatable and relevant to course material.With the increased student demand for accessible online content, there is an opportunity for anatomical education to move and adapt towards utilizing various technological platforms. Our prototypes were developed to reflect student demand and preference in order to create an optimal learning tool that will be beneficial to both students and educators in the Anatomy Program at McMaster.