Fresno State professor uses VR to revamp how people learn brain anatomy
By integrating virtual reality (VR) into her teaching strategies, a Fresno State professor is seeing impressive outcomes that help students comprehend the intricacies of brain anatomy.
Fresno State biology professor and neuroscientist Dr. Anahit Hovhannisyan acknowledged the difficulties students have while learning about the complex anatomy of the human brain. She was always looking for new and creative methods to enhance their educational experience. Dr. Hovhannisyan was inspired by a syGlass virtual reality presentation she witnessed at a conference and saw the potential of this technology to improve her pupils’ comprehension.
She obtained funds to support the project, used top-tier computers from the university, and borrowed virtual reality headsets from the engineering department to make this concept a reality. She soon discovered, however, that there was an unforeseen challenge with the implementation: a high learning curve.
Dr. Hovhannisyan pointed out that, unlike what many people think, today’s tech-savvy pupils weren’t inherently skilled at utilizing virtual reality technologies. It took a lot of time for the pupils to learn how to use the technology. The effect on their learning became apparent when they had mastered its functioning.
Students often use paper representations and dissected specimens to identify brain parts. However, virtual reality places students inside the brain, forcing them to search for and recognise important structures by exploring, rotating, and dissecting virtual models. It has been shown that this practical method greatly enhances memory recall.
Students manipulate 3D brain models by rotating and slicing them to identify certain components using virtual reality goggles. Learning is not only more effective but also more interesting thanks to this interactive experience.
Dr. Hovhannisyan emphasised that exposing undergraduate students to virtual reality technologies gives them an edge whether they go on to higher coursework or medical school. They are better prepared for more sophisticated applications later in their academic and professional lives if they are familiar with such technologies.
An important advancement in Fresno State’s instructional innovation is planned for the spring semester, when virtual reality will be formally included in the neuroanatomy curriculum, pending financing clearance.
