Key Takeaways
- A recent study published in the Medical Science Educator Journal explores the use of virtual reality (VR) curriculum in anatomy education
- Colorado State University researchers found that students using VR curriculum achieved similar or slightly better test results than those in traditional cadaver labs
- The study offers hope for maintaining high-quality education while adapting to the growing demand for online courses
- Perspectus Inc., the technology provider, believes this could be the future of higher education and healthcare training
Embracing Virtual Reality in Anatomy Education
As higher education institutions strive to keep up with student expectations for engagement and adapt to the growing demand for online courses, innovative teaching methods are becoming more crucial. A new peer-reviewed study published in the Medical Science Educator Journal by Colorado State University (CSU) researchers has captured the attention of futurists, video gamers, and college professors alike. The study explored the use of virtual reality (VR) curriculum in anatomy education, replacing traditional in-person cadaver lab activities.
Challenging Traditional Teaching Methods
For decades, higher education has struggled to incorporate new technologies and teaching methods that can match students’ expectations for engagement. This challenge is compounded when addressing highly technical science subjects like anatomy, where traditional teaching methods often yield higher-quality learning outcomes.
However, the CSU research team, led by Dr. Tod Clapp, discovered a potential solution through VR curriculum. The study found that students using the VR anatomy labs online showed similar or slightly better test results compared to those participating in traditional in-person cadaver labs. The research concluded that the online VR anatomy content maintained the rigor of traditional anatomy labs without negatively impacting student examination scores or learner engagement.
A Promising Future for Online Education
With the number of higher education students enrolled in online courses projected to double in the next 3-4 years, the study’s results provide hope for educators who have been skeptical about the quality of online education, particularly in hands-on fields like medicine. Dr. Clapp, who has been using VR in his classroom for five years, believes the data can encourage other universities hesitant to innovate.
The technology provider for the study, Perspectus Inc., is a Colorado-based startup founded by a team of higher education and technology professionals. CEO Stephen Tober sees this as the future of higher education and healthcare training. Perspectus’ cutting-edge VR technology allows experts to customize their content, enabling them to teach patients more effectively and better prepare health science students who will become future clinicians.
Bridging the Gap Between Engagement and Outcomes
The CSU study demonstrates the potential of VR curriculum not only to improve student engagement but also to enhance learning outcomes. As educational institutions continue to navigate the evolving landscape of higher learning, embracing innovative technologies like VR could be the key to bridging the gap between engagement and outcomes. By doing so, educators can better prepare students for successful careers while adapting to the ever-changing demands of modern education.
