Taking a Bite out of the Lab Book: Stereoscopic Laboratory Models in Student's Hands

Abstract

Decreasing time for anatomical teaching, coupled with a new generation of techno‐savvy students, has encouraged educators to explore new pedagogical approaches and instructional tools. An evolving tool is a stereoscopic 3D anatomical computer model of the head and neck. The objective of this study was to explore its effectiveness as an instructional and laboratory aid. Third year student volunteers (N=74) were randomly assigned to one of three lab groups. All groups studied the muscles of mastication and completed identical learning objectives during a 45‐minute lab. Each group utilized a different laboratory model: Group I‐gross prosections; Group II‐3D stereoscopic computer model; and Group III‐a hybrid model utilizing both resources. Model efficacy was measured with a pre‐post multiple‐choice quiz. We hypothesized that students using the 3D stereoscopic model or gross prosections would yield similar change scores (post‐test minus pre‐test), while students experiencing the hybrid model would have higher change scores. One week following the initial lab session, participants completed a second post‐test and a qualitative questionnaire to gain insights of knowledge retention and participant preferences respectively. Information gathered may help form new curricula direction.Grant Funding SourceTSC‐Small Grant on Teaching