The Impact of Low-Fidelity Three-Dimensional-Printed Models of the Equine Distal Limb and the Canine Forelimb in Teaching Veterinary Anatomy in Practical Classes
Limited cadaver availability and health risks from formaldehyde-treated cadavers have increased the need for alternative learning materials in veterinary anatomy education. Two studies were conducted to investigate whether low-fidelity 3D-printed models provide comparable learning outcomes to real s...
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2025-05-01
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| author | Rebecca Schirone Maximiliane Schmedding Janet Weigner Martin Werner Giuliano Mario Corte Jan Peter Ehlers Luise Grace Klass Mahtab Bahramsoltani |
| author_facet | Rebecca Schirone Maximiliane Schmedding Janet Weigner Martin Werner Giuliano Mario Corte Jan Peter Ehlers Luise Grace Klass Mahtab Bahramsoltani |
| author_sort | Rebecca Schirone |
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| description | Limited cadaver availability and health risks from formaldehyde-treated cadavers have increased the need for alternative learning materials in veterinary anatomy education. Two studies were conducted to investigate whether low-fidelity 3D-printed models provide comparable learning outcomes to real specimens. In study 1, veterinary students were assigned to two groups to study the equine distal limb on a real specimen (<i>n</i> = 67) or a 3D model (<i>n</i> = 68). In study 2, students were divided into four groups to study the canine forelimb on a real specimen (<i>n</i> = 44), a 3D model (<i>n</i> = 45), a 3D model followed by a real specimen (<i>n</i> = 47), or the reverse combination (<i>n</i> = 47). Learning outcomes were measured through a knowledge assessment. Afterwards, learning materials were evaluated by students. Both studies showed significantly higher learning outcomes in the groups learning with real specimens compared to other test groups. While students preferred to start learning with 3D models before switching to real specimens, this method had the lowest learning outcomes. However, students emphasized the value of 3D models for independent learning outside the dissection hall and desired further 3D models of other anatomical specimens. Findings indicated that low-fidelity 3D-printed models cannot replace real specimens but are a useful complementary tool in veterinary anatomy education. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| spelling | doaj-art-2826d83741d941f7bc4290e946beaec22025-08-20T03:47:48ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-05-011510138010.3390/ani15101380The Impact of Low-Fidelity Three-Dimensional-Printed Models of the Equine Distal Limb and the Canine Forelimb in Teaching Veterinary Anatomy in Practical ClassesRebecca Schirone0Maximiliane Schmedding1Janet Weigner2Martin Werner3Giuliano Mario Corte4Jan Peter Ehlers5Luise Grace Klass6Mahtab Bahramsoltani7Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstraße 20, 14195 Berlin, GermanyISME Bern and Avenches, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Hochschulstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, SwitzerlandInstitute of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstraße 20, 14195 Berlin, GermanyInstitute of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstraße 20, 14195 Berlin, GermanyInstitute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich (UZH), Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, SwitzerlandDidactics and Educational Research in Health Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58455 Witten, GermanyInstitute of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstraße 20, 14195 Berlin, GermanyInstitute of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstraße 20, 14195 Berlin, GermanyLimited cadaver availability and health risks from formaldehyde-treated cadavers have increased the need for alternative learning materials in veterinary anatomy education. Two studies were conducted to investigate whether low-fidelity 3D-printed models provide comparable learning outcomes to real specimens. In study 1, veterinary students were assigned to two groups to study the equine distal limb on a real specimen (<i>n</i> = 67) or a 3D model (<i>n</i> = 68). In study 2, students were divided into four groups to study the canine forelimb on a real specimen (<i>n</i> = 44), a 3D model (<i>n</i> = 45), a 3D model followed by a real specimen (<i>n</i> = 47), or the reverse combination (<i>n</i> = 47). Learning outcomes were measured through a knowledge assessment. Afterwards, learning materials were evaluated by students. Both studies showed significantly higher learning outcomes in the groups learning with real specimens compared to other test groups. While students preferred to start learning with 3D models before switching to real specimens, this method had the lowest learning outcomes. However, students emphasized the value of 3D models for independent learning outside the dissection hall and desired further 3D models of other anatomical specimens. Findings indicated that low-fidelity 3D-printed models cannot replace real specimens but are a useful complementary tool in veterinary anatomy education.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/10/1380veterinary educationexperimental studylearning outcomesstudent evaluationformaldehyde-free alternativeseducation sciences |
| spellingShingle | Rebecca Schirone Maximiliane Schmedding Janet Weigner Martin Werner Giuliano Mario Corte Jan Peter Ehlers Luise Grace Klass Mahtab Bahramsoltani The Impact of Low-Fidelity Three-Dimensional-Printed Models of the Equine Distal Limb and the Canine Forelimb in Teaching Veterinary Anatomy in Practical Classes Animals veterinary education experimental study learning outcomes student evaluation formaldehyde-free alternatives education sciences |
| title | The Impact of Low-Fidelity Three-Dimensional-Printed Models of the Equine Distal Limb and the Canine Forelimb in Teaching Veterinary Anatomy in Practical Classes |
| title_full | The Impact of Low-Fidelity Three-Dimensional-Printed Models of the Equine Distal Limb and the Canine Forelimb in Teaching Veterinary Anatomy in Practical Classes |
| title_fullStr | The Impact of Low-Fidelity Three-Dimensional-Printed Models of the Equine Distal Limb and the Canine Forelimb in Teaching Veterinary Anatomy in Practical Classes |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Impact of Low-Fidelity Three-Dimensional-Printed Models of the Equine Distal Limb and the Canine Forelimb in Teaching Veterinary Anatomy in Practical Classes |
| title_short | The Impact of Low-Fidelity Three-Dimensional-Printed Models of the Equine Distal Limb and the Canine Forelimb in Teaching Veterinary Anatomy in Practical Classes |
| title_sort | impact of low fidelity three dimensional printed models of the equine distal limb and the canine forelimb in teaching veterinary anatomy in practical classes |
| topic | veterinary education experimental study learning outcomes student evaluation formaldehyde-free alternatives education sciences |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/10/1380 |
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