Proposal Title
Development and Evaluation of an Online Undergraduate Anatomy Course
Session Type
Poster
Room
PAB Atrium
Start Date
9-7-2013 5:30 PM
Keywords
online learning
Primary Threads
Evaluation of Learning
Abstract
An online version of an existing undergraduate anatomy course with a laboratory component (Systemic Human Anatomy) was developed at Western University. Lectures for face-to-face students were broadcast in live and archived format to online students using collaborative software (Blackboard Collaborate). Laboratory demonstrations were facilitated online by a teaching assistant who manipulated 3D anatomical models in Blackboard Collaborate. Students independently studied the virtual models on their own computers. Eleven commercial software programs were reviewed to determine the suitability of their virtual models for use in the online laboratory, resulting in the selection of Netter’s 3D Interactive Anatomy. Supplementary online laboratory materials for the brain were developed at the Instructional Technology Resource Centre. Interactive, fully rotatable (360°) images of real brain specimens were created and a website through which students can access these images. A mixed methods approach is being undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the online course format. Means for each measure of student performance (4 tests, 24 laboratory quizzes) are under comparison between the sections. Preliminary data from the inaugural year (2012-2013) suggest that student academic performance in the course is not impacted by the online delivery format. Student perceptions of the learning experiences in the online and face-to-face environment are under analysis. Student interviews and surveys were conducted following a cross over that exposed them to both delivery formats. Themes will be established from interview and survey data to generate theory about the strengths and weaknesses of the online course format.
Development and Evaluation of an Online Undergraduate Anatomy Course
PAB Atrium
An online version of an existing undergraduate anatomy course with a laboratory component (Systemic Human Anatomy) was developed at Western University. Lectures for face-to-face students were broadcast in live and archived format to online students using collaborative software (Blackboard Collaborate). Laboratory demonstrations were facilitated online by a teaching assistant who manipulated 3D anatomical models in Blackboard Collaborate. Students independently studied the virtual models on their own computers. Eleven commercial software programs were reviewed to determine the suitability of their virtual models for use in the online laboratory, resulting in the selection of Netter’s 3D Interactive Anatomy. Supplementary online laboratory materials for the brain were developed at the Instructional Technology Resource Centre. Interactive, fully rotatable (360°) images of real brain specimens were created and a website through which students can access these images. A mixed methods approach is being undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the online course format. Means for each measure of student performance (4 tests, 24 laboratory quizzes) are under comparison between the sections. Preliminary data from the inaugural year (2012-2013) suggest that student academic performance in the course is not impacted by the online delivery format. Student perceptions of the learning experiences in the online and face-to-face environment are under analysis. Student interviews and surveys were conducted following a cross over that exposed them to both delivery formats. Themes will be established from interview and survey data to generate theory about the strengths and weaknesses of the online course format.