Impact of 3D virtual reality on teaching and learning human anatomy among undergraduate students

Abstract

Objective: To assess how impact 3D-VR is in improving the retention of human anatomy knowledge among undergraduate students compared to traditional methods.

Methodology: This convergence mixed method study was carried out in anatomy department of HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad, from February to December 2023. The study was evaluated learning outcomes, specifically knowledge retention score in short-term and long-term, in undergraduate students by 3D-VR vs traditional models. Additionally, it sought to capture experience of students and perspectives by 3D-VR teaching and learning method.

Results: The post-test score (indicative of short-term knowledge retention) by 3D-VR in both groups of male and female was significant high than traditional method (p ? 0.001). 3D-VR also achieved significant high follow-up score (indicative of long-term knowledge retention) in both groups compared to traditional method. While the knowledge score in all tests of 3D-VR and traditional method for females was high than males. Post-test score (indicative of short-term knowledge retention) and follow-up score (indicative of long-term knowledge retention) in 3D-VR method of females was significant high than males (p ? 0.001).

Conclusion: 3D-VR is effective method for knowledge retention in short-term and long-term in undergraduate students. Undergraduate students demonstrated 3D-VR as a learning method that offers substantial advantages for studying human anatomy versus traditional method.