Using Electronic Tools and Resources to Meet the Challenges of Anatomy Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Online anatomy education during the Covid-19 pandemic: Opinions of medical, speech therapy, and BSc Anatomy students

With the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, it was difficult to predict if the "cadaveric-based (golden) standard" of teaching anatomy would be possible in the unforeseeable future. This forced traditional anatomical teaching and learning practices to be transitioned to remote online platforms. This study explored the opinions of anatomy students (n = 51), on their online learning experience of anatomy during the Covid-19 pandemic. A mixed methods approach using a descriptive, exploratory study design was conducted, by use of an online survey. The survey consisted of a six-point Likert scale and was assembled into four sub-categories. Likert scale options ranged from; strongly disagree, to strongly agree, and not applicable. Results obtained seem to tally with expectations, indicating an adequate theoretical course component with room to improve practical online teaching. Most participants had a positive perception of the theoretical course content, duration, and platforms of communication. Virtual classes were simple to navigate with few technical difficulties experienced by the participants. Students also noted having access to sufficient study material, videos, and additional online material. Overall, more than half of all participants reported adapting well to the remote learning environment, however, the greatest challenge experienced highlighted a sense of deprivation from the lack of cadaver exposure and hands-on instruction. This research highlighted the effects of the pandemic on the modality of anatomy education and how it affected students. Although anatomy is multi-modal, it can be concluded that it is possible to achieve academic success by using online learning methods.

Tablet-assisted objective structured spotter practical examination (TOSSPE): Advantages of an innovative anatomy spotter examination method for medical student assessment

The affordances of technology-based assessments, like the objectively structured practical examination, have become an integral part of gross anatomy courses. The Department of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine at the University of Warmia and Mazury developed and introduced an application for tablet devices which has been implemented in student examinations and assessments, called the tablet-assisted objective structured spotter practical examination. It was created to simplify the educational process and to build a rich learning environment, facilitating deep learning for students through examination and feedback data. The method consists of cadaver stations with traditional corresponding pin spotters in an expanded tablet application. It not only provides instant feedback on various observations of teaching-learning skills but has also positively affected the entire process of education. The method provides an unbiased evaluation of knowledge and understanding of the anatomy course, ensuring objectivity and standardization. The current study was performed on a total of 608 first-year medical students in Polish and English divisions and focused on the observed advantages since the new method was introduced. Outcomes indicate that after the implementation of the method for both the Polish and English divisions' first-year medical students, the mean score of examinations significantly increased compared to other teaching-learning methods. The study highlights that students were excited about the implementation of the new method and identified its many benefits. It is recognized that technological development and the digital environment offer a range of opportunities and added value versus traditional assessment activities, methods, and processes.

Clinicians' opinions on the clinical relevance of anatomy education at Stellenbosch University

Anatomical science is a fundamental element of undergraduate medical education; thus, it is imperative that the course serves future medical professionals when entering clinical practice. However, anatomical education has faced challenges in recent years including decreased allocated time, increased class sizes and over-stretched staff. Technological advancements in anatomical education may provide relief to these issues. Therefore, exploring clinicians' perspective on the clinical relevance and efficacy of anatomical education, within an African context, can inform its future. This study used a qualitative research approach within an interpretive paradigm. Eight semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with clinicians associated with Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, creating themes and codes. Trust worthiness of the data was ensured through peer debriefing and member checking. Results reveal that clinicians find clinically relevant anatomy valuable to students. However, some feel that this is not delivered effectively at present. Clinicians see potential for the incorporation of clinical technologies into anatomical pedagogy. Although clinicians are hopeful for new technological developments in anatomical education, concerns were reported about its autonomous nature. This study concludes that although clinically relevant anatomical education is beneficial to students, the time and the resources via which it is delivered should be considered. There is optimism for the future of anatomical education with the advancements of technologically based educational resources, however, new resources should be incorporated with planning and supervision.

Modern and synchronized clinical anatomy teaching based on the BDIE method (board-digital dissection-imaging-evaluation)

PURPOSE

Anatomy has historically been taught via traditional medical school lectures and dissection. In many countries, practical or legal issues limit access to cadaveric dissection. New technologies are favored by students and could improve learning, complementing traditional teaching.

METHODS

All students in second-year medicine at a single medical school were submitted to a novel anatomical course with digital tool exposure. We explored a new combined teaching method: a physical blackboard lesson synchronized with digital dissection, imaging and direct evaluation (BDIE). Synchronized dissection is broadcast live in the classroom and in partner medical schools. Following the course, students completed a short survey about their perception of this new anatomic clinical course.

RESULTS

The survey included 183 students whom 178 completed the questionnaire, i.e., a 97% response rate. Ninety-nine percent of students thought this synchronized method useful to improve their understanding of anatomy and 90% stated it helped them retain this learning.

CONCLUSION

This BDIE method, in conjunction with teaching guidelines and dissection, is highly appreciated by students who consider it helps them to acquire lasting knowledge.

Gamification in E-Learning and Sustainability: A Theoretical Framework

Progress in communication technologies and social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have supported the acceptance of e-learning. In the e-learning context, gamification has been identified as one of the most promising trends. Many researchers believe in the game elements’ capacity to drive learning, skills acquisition, and changes for more sustainable behavior. However, the literature on the subject is dispersed, addressing behavioral attitudes and elements in an isolated and fragmented way. This study aims to present a framework relating game elements to behavioral attitudes to promote sustainability and ensure quality of learning. The methodology is based on a systematic literature review using the PRISMA protocol, covering the content analysis of 130 articles indexed in the Web of Science database. For the framework construction, the following were identified: behavioral attitudes stimulated by gamification; main game elements and how they relate to each other. Based on this, a framework called 7GOALS (Gamification-Oriented Active Learning Steps) associated with the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) was established. The proposed structure is multidisciplinary and can be used in any knowledge field that uses gamification. With this, themes such as sustainability can be widely disseminated and leverage changes towards more sustainable behaviors that adhere to the real world.

Current State of Serious Games in Dentistry: A Scoping Review

Objective: Over the past decade, serious games (SGs) have played a growing role in medical education and health promotion; however, little is known about their use in the field of oral health. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis about SGs developed for training oral health professionals or for health promotion in oral health. Material and Methods: A systematic search was conducted. The following electronic databases were reviewed: MEDLINE (1966 to September 2019), Embase (1980 to September 2019), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), LILACS and Scopus from inception to September 2019. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed the study's quality and extracted data. The Sardi and collaborators' tool was used to assess the quality of the evidence presented. Results: A total of 19 studies (25 articles) were selected. Games were divided into two categories: for specific educational purposes and for oral health promotion. Most studies involved oral health professions' students (n = 9) or school/preschool children (n = 9). Two studies included preschool children and parents. Interactive SGs were as effective as traditional noninteractive methods in improving oral health outcomes. Nonetheless, participants' feedback reflected a higher level of satisfaction in learning through games. The quality of the studies was limited due to the lack of a proper technical description of the games and the absence of discussion of the limitations and challenges of the games. Conclusion: The use of SGs in oral health is limited, and little valid empirical evidence is available to confirm their effectiveness. Further studies are required for using more rigorous designs, evaluation, and follow-ups.

Anatomia Radiológica Vascular e desenvolvimento de plataformas de ensino interativo

Anatomia e Radiologia são disciplinas amplamente presentes nas grades curriculares de cursos da área da saúde. A interseção entre a Anatomia Radiológica e as tecnologias recentes, como plataformas de ensino interativo, caracteriza-se como uma tendência a ser seguida na esfera educacional, sendo as implicações desse processo ainda não muito debatidas. O Departamento de Anatomia da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora iniciou o desenvolvimento de um atlas de anatomia vascular radiológica, o qual apresenta versões impressa e interativa. Possui imagens de angiotomografias computadorizadas feitas em aparelhos multislice de 16 a 128 canais, sendo as imagens de arquivo pessoal dos organizadores. O atlas promove a identificação das estruturas vasculares em questão e propicia a integração do conhecimento adquirido em salas de aula com a visualização de exames de imagem complementares rotineiros. A indiscutível presença de exames de imagem adicionais na rotina dos profissionais da saúde atuais faz com que seja válida a estratégia de integração entre o método tradicional de ensino e as práticas ativas de aprendizagem, as quais vêm ganhando destaque recentemente, devido a sua efetividade na fixação de conhecimentos.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Academic Performance of Veterinary Medical Students

Many universities and colleges worldwide suspended classroom teaching due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and switched to online teaching. The current cross-sectional study was carried out to analyze the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the academic performance of veterinary medical students and researchers. Veterinary medical students and researchers were invited to answer an online google form questionnaire. A total of 1,392 participants were from 92 different countries answered the questionnaire with response rate of 94.1%. The data showed that COVID-19 pandemic lockdown affected the academic performance of most participants (96.7%) with varying degrees. The mean evaluation score for the online education in general was 5.1 ± 2.4 while that for the practical parts was 3.6 ± 2.6. Although online education provides an opportunity for self-study, the main challenge that online education faces in veterinary medical science is how to give practical lessons. Since most of the subjects are practical; therefore, it is not easy to learn it online. Students think that it is difficult to fulfill the veterinary competencies only with online education system. Online education could be improved by making it more interactive, showing medical procedures in real situations, giving concise information, and providing 3D virtual tools to mimic the real situation.

From Scope to Screen: The Evolution of Histology Education

Histology, the branch of anatomy also known as microscopic anatomy, is the study of the structure and function of the body's tissues. To gain an understanding of the tissues of the body is to learn the foundational underpinnings of anatomy and achieve a deeper, more intimate insight into how the body is constructed, functions, and undergoes pathological change. Histology, therefore, is an integral element of basic science education within today's medical curricula. Its development as a discipline is inextricably linked to the evolution of the technology that allows us to visualize it. This chapter takes us on the journey through the past, present, and future of histology and its education; from technologies grounded in ancient understanding and control of the properties of light, to the ingenuity of crafting glass lenses that led to the construction of the first microscopes; traversing the second revolution in histology through the development of modern histological techniques and methods of digital and virtual microscopy, which allows learners to visualize histology anywhere, at any time; to the future of histology that allows flexible self-directed learning through social media, live-streaming, and virtual reality as a result of the powerful smart technologies we all carry around in our pockets. But, is our continuous pursuit of technological advancement projecting us towards a dystopian world where machines with artificial intelligence learn how to read histological slides and diagnose the diseases in the very humans that built them?