Assessing the difference in learning gain between a mixed reality application and drawing screencasts in neuroanatomy

Abstract

Augmented, mixed and virtual reality applications and content have surged into the higher education arena, thereby allowing institutions to engage in research and development projects to better understand their efficacy within curricula. However, despite the increasing interest, there remains a lack of robust empirical evidence to justify the mainstream acceptance of this approach as an effective and efficient learning tool. In this study, the impact of a mixed reality application focused on long spinal cord sensory and motor pathways is explored in comparison to an existing resource already embedded within an active curriculum (e.g., anatomy drawing screencasts). To assess the changes in learner gain, a quasi-randomized control trial with a pre-and post-test methodology was used on a cohort of Year 2 medical students, with both the absolute and normalized gain calculated. Similar patterns of learner gain were observed between the two groups; only the multiple-choice questionnaires (MCQs) were shown to be answered significantly higher with the screencast group.This study adds important empirical data to the emerging field of immersive technologies and the specific impact on short-term knowledge gain for neuroanatomy teaching, specifically that of long sensory and motor pathways. Despite the limitations of the study, it provides important additional data to the field and intends to support colleagues across the education landscape in making evidenceinformed decisions about the value of including such resources into their curricula.

Virtual Simulation in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review of Recent Practice

“…Despite the diversification of virtual simulators/platforms/systems used in undergraduate medical education, we found that 48 (52%) studies ( 18 , 22 , 23 , 27 – 31 , 33 – 35 , 37 – 39 , 42 , 44 – 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 , 57 – 67 , 71 , 72 , 75 , 78 , 81 – 84 , 93 , 96 , 99 , 101 , 103 , 105 ) reported the immersive VR application, which is characterized by the use of VR equipment consisting of head-mounted displays (headsets or goggles) and/or hand controllers. This finding suggested that VR might be a typical and popular representative of modern VS technology used in medical education.…”

“…We found that, since 2020, there were 13 articles reporting the application of VS for teaching basic medical sciences, including anatomy ( 23 , 42 , 44 , 49 , 59 , 60 , 69 , 72 , 82 , 104 ), physiology ( 92 , 94 ) and pharmacology ( 19 ). Obviously, VS-enhanced anatomy training is a focused program as a powerful supplement in conventional anatomy teaching settings.…”

“…However, the teaching efficiency may be lacking because of traditional 2D images, as well as limited and expensive cadaver or mannequin resources. As the revolution of anatomy education through digital media, VS has been demonstrated to provide vivid and dynamic imagery that the students can interact with an active learning experience without having to study in an anatomy laboratory ( 23 , 42 , 44 , 49 , 59 , 60 , 69 , 72 , 82 , 104 ). Especially for some topics that are challenging to teach because of complex 3D nature, VS-integrated teaching facilitated the 3D spatial perception of anatomy, and helped the students learn more efficiently.…”

“…Especially for some topics that are challenging to teach because of complex 3D nature, VS-integrated teaching facilitated the 3D spatial perception of anatomy, and helped the students learn more efficiently. Among the included 10 articles reporting VS application in anatomy education, 6 ( 42 , 49 , 59 , 60 , 72 , 104 ) used virtual simulators to help students see the details of muscle and bones; 1 ( 44 ) for neuro-anatomy; 1 ( 23 ) for cerebrovascular anatomy; and 1 ( 69 ) for prostate. The other study conducted by Bogomolova et al ( 82 ) developed a virtual 3D assessment scenario for undergraduate anatomical education.…”

Neurorehabilitation Through Synergistic Man-Machine Interfaces Promoting Dormant Neuroplasticity in Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

“…NeuroSuitUp could provide a valuable complementary platform for training in immersive rehabilitation methods to promote dormant neural plasticity. While motor control and assistance are the main focus of the platform, the used biosignals are able to track affect states of users in real time, assessing emotional impact [ 44 ], learning gain [ 45 ], as well as engagement and motivation to provide rehabilitation experience tailored real-time to user’s interest, attention, and effort.…”