Abstract:

Recently at the University of Glasgow, an exciting collaboration between the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, School of Life Sciences and the School of Medicine resulted in the creation of an elective Student Selected Component (SSC) entitled “Development of Anatomy E-tutorials”. It was run by anatomical and digital experts and was offered as a five-week intensive module to create E-tutorials for challenging areas of anatomy. One such group which participated in this SSC developed an interactive E-tutorial based on cardiac anatomy and imaging.

Referencing the intended learning outcomes from the first two years thus far in the medical curriculum at the University of Glasgow, a new and innovative way to approach the understanding and presentation of required anatomical knowledge and understanding was developed using Articulate Storyline 2. The intended end-user was second year medical students who have undertaken training in cardiac anatomy through a spiral-integrated curriculum. However, those required to have an understanding of cardiac anatomy for their professional field can also benefit.

An interactive E-Tutorial of cardiac anatomy and relevant imaging was created using photogrammetry of actual cadaveric prosections (professionally dissected specimens) from the regular stock in the Laboratory of Human Anatomy at the University of Glasgow. Histological slides from the extensive anatomical collection were also digitally captured for incorporation into the E-tutorial.

The tutorial was developed into nine sub-topics, making extensive use of images from cadaveric prosections, creative commons images, custom illustrations and interactive 3D representations of prosections. 3D assets were generated using photogrammetry techniques and free or open-source software, from cadaveric prosections currently used in anatomy teaching. Focus was placed on gross anatomy, and the use of clinical cardiac imaging techniques. Following each sub-topic a short quiz was created for immediate end-user feedback on the effectiveness of their learning. End-user evaluation is currently being assessed. We shall present the development of the E-tutorial using Articulate Storyline 2, and how best to incorporate anatomical material to develop an in-depth appreciation for acquiring the skills and knowledge of expected intended learning outcomes.

Interactivity in learning and testing within the E-tutorial is paramount in the constructivist approach, and this feature sets it apart from more traditional media in education. Our E-tutorial is a detailed and self-contained resource and has application in supporting the learning and revision of cardiac anatomy. The simple framework developed for generating 3D assets is extensible to other anatomical areas. Indeed, with the next generation of digital natives, this provides an anatomically and digitally validated resource tailored not only for medical students, but allied health professionals in enhancing their knowledge and understanding of cardiac anatomy.