A Novel Use of Team-Based Learning in a Virtual Anatomy Lab in Second Life™ (SL)
April Richardson, Molly Trent, Adam Braun, Sandy Challman, and Jennifer Brueckner Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Study objective: To evaluate the use of Team-Based Learning among undergraduates in a virtual anatomy lab experience using Second Life™ (SL) technology.
Description: SL technology will be used to assess the learning outcomes of a small population of pre-medical professional students regarding the anatomical organization of the digestive system. Previous pilot studies in the virtual anatomy lab on University of Kentucky Island have indicated this specific pedagogical style is embraced among the millennial generation. The next steps include the introduction of a team-based learning format in the virtual anatomy lab. A small population of undergraduates enrolled in ANA 209 at UK have been selected to navigate through a virtual anatomy lab in SL. Team-Based Learning will be used to teach the anatomy of the digestive system. The anatomical organization of the abdominal contents will be presented via atlas, cadaveric, and radiologic images in the virtual environment, followed by a case study involving the gastrointestinal tract. Students will be quizzed individually prior to the anatomy lab, and as a group in the virtual anatomy session. This will also followed by an in-world group discussion of a case study that reiterates the pertinent points of the virtual class.
Evaluation: Evaluation of learning will be measured by a direct comparison of the correct responses from the individual and group-based questions. Both didactic and non-didactic questions from the gastrointestinal case study will be used to establish the progression of the student’s understanding of the material, as evidenced by the ability to assimilate anatomical concepts and clinical relevancy. The frequency of student contribution in this virtual setting will also be extrapolated from the number of times the student contributes to the overall discussion. These measures will build upon our previous virtual lab findings, during which students were first exposed to this novel delivery of lecture and discussion of anatomical principles.
