Learning Tools
University of Iowa Investigates Teaching with 3D Models
The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine is experimenting with increasing student engagement through the use of 3D interactive learning tools.
Darren Hoffman, an
assistant professor at the University
of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, knew that he
wanted to improve the quality of learning for his students. He
decided to work with Gale
Interactive: Human Anatomy platform to integrate 3D
imaging into his lesson plans.
“With these sorts of technology application studies, the first and
most important thing is to determine that you don’t do any harm by
replacing old techniques with new resources. We certainly cleared
that bar,” Hoffman told Campus Technology via email.
Since many students
can’t be in the lab at all times for self-directed study, Hoffman
said they like the opportunity to play with the platform through
manipulating models while they are working through their lectures or
homework and research assignments.
“In essence, this
resource gives them a self-directed study tool that addresses a
common problem in anatomy – understanding how the detailed
anatomical structures pass in front of/behind/on top of/under each
other,” said Hoffman. “These issues are critically important for
clinical practice, and many students had a hard time inferring these
relationships from 2D diagrams.”
More
information about the Gale Interactive: Human Anatomy platform can be
found here.
About the Author
Sara Friedman is a reporter/producer for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe covering education policy and a wide range of other public-sector IT topics.
Friedman is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she studied journalism, politics and international communications.
Friedman can be contacted at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @SaraEFriedman.
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