Reading

Šorgo, A. (2006). Dichotomous Identification Keys: A Ladder to Higher Order Knowledge about the Human Body. Science Activities, 43(3), 17-20. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.

Traditionally students are taught anatomy at the lower end of Blooms taxonomy with memorization and textbook learning.  Recommend grouping structures by key features, or identification keys.  Helps students put information into context and think wholistically.

Pereira, J., Pleguezuelos, E., Merí, A., Molina-Ros, A., Molina-Tomás, M., & Masdeu, C. (2007). Effectiveness of using blended learning strategies for teaching and learning human anatomy. Medical Education, 41(2), 189-195. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2929.2006.02672.x.

Found that blended learning strategies were more effective than traditional teaching methods.  This study showed an increase pass rate for student tests.

Mclachlan, J., & De Bere, S. (2004). How we teach anatomy without cadavers. Clinical Teacher, 1(2), 49-52. doi:10.1111/j.1743-498X.2004.00038.x.

Peninsula Medical school in the UK is using surface anatomy and digital imaging to teach anatomy instead of cadavers.  They believe that this most closely approximates how doctors experience the human body in practice.  Computer 2D and 3D models are used in conjunction with teacher direction to provide context.

Dobbins, C., Kanhere, A., & Maddern, G. (2007). SE03 ANATOMY IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 7777. doi:10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04129_3.x.

Looks at the use of 3D virtual reality tools in teaching surgical technique.  Results showed that students found the use of 3D virtual tools helpful in learning.

Brigden, D., Dangerfield, P., & Memon, M. (2009). SE14P USING DVDS TO ENHANCE THE TEACHING OF HUMAN ANATOMY. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 79A73. doi:10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04930_14.x.

Asserts that traditional 2D teaching materials fail to help students conceptualize in true 3D form.  In this case, the 3D models on DVD were created from a real cadaver.

Perry, J., Kuehn, D., & Langiois, R. (2007). Teaching Anatomy and Physiology Using Computer-Based, Stereoscopic Images. Journal of College Science Teaching, 36(4), 18-23. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.

Reiterate the difficulty and cost involved in cadaver study.  While animal studies offer an alternative, animal bodies have key differences.  Images in books that are 2D oversimplify structures while 3D technology allows students to master the complexities of the human body.  Almost all students in this study found the use of 3D stereoscopic images helpful in learning anatomy.  The images helped them visualize better and they liked being able to have more time to view images and to be able to view them on their own.