Prof-in-a-Box: using internet-videoconferencing to assist students in the gross anatomy laboratory

Stephen J Moorman

doi:10.1186/1472-6920-6-55

Abstract

BackgroundThe optimal learning environment for gross anatomy is the dissection laboratory. The Prof-in-a-Box (PiB) system has been developed where an anatomist using distance-learning technologies 'helps' students in a dissection laboratory at a different site.MethodsThe PiB system consists of: (1) an anatomist in his/her office with a computer and video camera; (2) a computer and 2 video cameras in the lab; (3) iChat AV software; (4) a secure server to host the PiB-student 'consultation'. The PiB system allows the students and faculty to interact via audio and video providing an environment where questions can be asked and answered and anatomical structures can be identified 'at a distance' in real-time. The PiB system was set up at a prosected cadaver and made available for student use during 'office hours'.Results25–30% of the students used the PiB system. Anatomical structures were identified, questions answered and demonstrations given 'at a distance' using the system. Students completed an optional questionnaire about the PiB system at the end of the semester. Results of the questionnaire indicate that the students were enthusiastic about the PiB system and wanted its use to be expanded in the future.ConclusionMany of the functions of a faculty member in the gross anatomy dissection laboratory can be performed 'at a distance' using the PiB system. This suggests that a geographically dispersed faculty could assist in providing instruction in the dissection labs at multiple medical schools without needing to be physically present.

Highlights

The optimal learning environment for gross anatomy is the dissection laboratory
The Information Services and Technology (IST) office at the university granted permission to connect this computer to the local network and have it function as a server provided it did not distribute IP addresses
Whenever a new student came to the cadaver, s/ he was reminded that the faculty member was available through Dr PiB to answer any questions s/he had

Summary

Introduction

The optimal learning environment for gross anatomy is the dissection laboratory. The Prof-in-a-Box (PiB) system has been developed where an anatomist using distance-learning technologies 'helps' students in a dissection laboratory at a different site. Effective use of educational theory and distance-learning technologies to provide lectures (delivered by geographically dispersed faculty) to students at numerous schools is one way to continue to provide medical students with instruction in gross anatomy when this shortage becomes reality. The optimal learning environment for gross anatomy is the dissection laboratory [2-6] where students learn to recognize anatomical structures and their relationships in situ. No one has demonstrated that it is possible to use distance-learning technologies to provide instruction in a dissection laboratory setting. This laboratory dissection experience has been supervised and guided by trained faculty in a setting with a significantly lower faculty-student (page number not for citation purposes). When the faculty shortage materializes, the quality of the laboratory experience will suffer as the faculty-student ratio in the dissection laboratory shifts toward that of the lecture

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