A COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL
FOR GROSS ANATOMY OF THE BRAIN
Lorinda
K. Lynn* and K. Bo Foreman,
PURPOSE: Computer-assisted instructional (CAI) tools
are useful adjuncts for human neuroanatomy instruction. Unstained serial brain
sections are a major teaching resource in the gross neuroanatomy lab. However, outside
of the teaching laboratory, students typically rely on atlases that feature
stained sections, drawings, MRIs, or CT scans. Therefore, to provide students
with the most relevant study materials outside of lab, we developed a CAI tool featuring
unstained serial brain sections.
METHODS: Five embalmed human brains were frozen
and sectioned in either the frontal, sagittal or transverse planes. The
sections were photographed, labeled using Macromedia Fireworks, and inserted in
a web application developed using Macromedia Flash.
RESULTS: A formative evaluation of the CAI tool,
utilizing neuroanatomy faculty and students, was performed during spring 2007. Participants
judged it to be a useful, clear, and accurate adjunct instructional tool. In spring
2008, 69 physical and occupational therapy graduate students enrolled in a
neuroanatomy course began using this tool for lab preparation and review.
Verbal feedback from students has been positive.
CONCLUSION/FUTURE DIRECTIONS: The CAI tool provides a useful
resource for studying the gross anatomy of the brain,
and warrants further study and development. A questionnaire study will be
performed with these 69 physical and occupational therapy students to evaluate
this CAI tool and its benefits (expected completion May, 2008). The information
gained from this study will be used to guide further development of this instructional
tool.