How VR & AR Are Changing Human Anatomy Programs

Human anatomy courses generally devote most of classroom time to static presentations, dense textbooks and examination of a 3D model with limited mobility. Traditional teaching methods for human anatomy are occasionally supplemented by cadaver labs and dissections.

Now imagine a classroom where human anatomy studies come to life - where there are no barriers to engagement with content and students can explore the human body and all its connected systems in a lifelike learning environment. Using new educational technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), teachers provide that immersive, interactive environment for students studying human anatomy to actively engage in the learning process and boost career readiness by sharpening the hands-on skills required for healthcare careers.

Benefits of using AR/VR for human anatomy studies:

• Unlimited specimens for dissection: Cadavers play an important role in learning human anatomy, but are in limited supply and can be difficult to obtain, store and dispose of properly. With AR and VR, unlimited models of a variety of specimens are available.
• Living systems can be examined: One limitation of working with cadavers is that students aren't able to witness the functioning of living systems. With AR and VR, all the layers and systems can be explored either individually or as a whole. Students can rotate objects, learn additional information about specific body systems, show how parts interact with each other and more.
• Mistakes are welcome: In traditional dissection lessons, mistakes made with a scalpel cannot be undone. In virtual labs, if a student makes a wrong incision, they can go back and start again. Working with virtual models is a great way to practice before working on cadavers. 
• Better educational results: A recent study found students experienced a 76 percent increase in learning outcomes when using a laboratory simulation; that number increased to 101 percent when traditional methods were used in combination with the digital technology.

AR and VR solutions offer a highly engaging, immersive learning experience for students focused on human anatomy and give them the ability to examine and manipulate lifelike anatomical structures up close, from all angles, and in great detail.

How about a success story for AR/VR-based anatomy? This short video shows how Snowline Joint Unified School District schools uses AR/VR to transform human anatomy learning!