Exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education: insights on enjoyment, effectiveness, and preferences

Abstract Background The dynamic landscape of medical education demands innovative teaching methods. This study introduces virtual reality (VR) technology to anatomy courses at Qatar University, aiming to assess students’ receptiveness to virtual anatomy dissection and its potential transformative im...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mohammed Al-Hor, Hamad Almahdi, Majed Al-Theyab, Ayman G. Mustafa, Mohammed Seed Ahmed, Sami Zaqout
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-12-01
Series:BMC Medical Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06370-6
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850169257204121600
author Mohammed Al-Hor
Hamad Almahdi
Majed Al-Theyab
Ayman G. Mustafa
Mohammed Seed Ahmed
Sami Zaqout
author_facet Mohammed Al-Hor
Hamad Almahdi
Majed Al-Theyab
Ayman G. Mustafa
Mohammed Seed Ahmed
Sami Zaqout
author_sort Mohammed Al-Hor
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The dynamic landscape of medical education demands innovative teaching methods. This study introduces virtual reality (VR) technology to anatomy courses at Qatar University, aiming to assess students’ receptiveness to virtual anatomy dissection and its potential transformative impact. Methods The study utilized a comprehensive survey and the 3D-Organon VR anatomy software to explore students’ perceptions and acceptance of VR in comparison with traditional anatomy learning tools during practical sessions. Fisher’s exact test for independence was performed to gauge shifts in students’ attitudes and preferences towards different educational modalities. Results The findings reveal a generally positive reception towards VR, with many students indicating a preference for VR over traditional methods. The study noted significant improvements in understanding and memorization attributed to the use of VR. Exposure to a variety of educational modalities led to notable shifts in student perceptions, particularly an increase in positive perceptions regarding the understanding of anatomy lectures and a heightened preference for VR as a learning method. Conclusions The study underscores the evolving and adaptable attitudes of students towards VR, emphasizing the significant role that diverse learning experiences play in shaping their receptiveness. It provides valuable insights into how medical education can be reshaped through a blended approach that integrates technological innovation with traditional learning methods. These findings advocate for the strategic incorporation of VR in anatomy courses to enhance learning outcomes.
format Article
id doaj-art-748e5ebc0f124e2c89fc359b604c3d18
institution OA Journals
issn 1472-6920
language English
publishDate 2024-12-01
publisher BMC
record_format Article
series BMC Medical Education
spelling doaj-art-748e5ebc0f124e2c89fc359b604c3d182025-08-20T02:20:45ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202024-12-012411910.1186/s12909-024-06370-6Exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education: insights on enjoyment, effectiveness, and preferencesMohammed Al-Hor0Hamad Almahdi1Majed Al-Theyab2Ayman G. Mustafa3Mohammed Seed Ahmed4Sami Zaqout5Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar UniversityDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar UniversityDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar UniversityDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar UniversityDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar UniversityDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar UniversityAbstract Background The dynamic landscape of medical education demands innovative teaching methods. This study introduces virtual reality (VR) technology to anatomy courses at Qatar University, aiming to assess students’ receptiveness to virtual anatomy dissection and its potential transformative impact. Methods The study utilized a comprehensive survey and the 3D-Organon VR anatomy software to explore students’ perceptions and acceptance of VR in comparison with traditional anatomy learning tools during practical sessions. Fisher’s exact test for independence was performed to gauge shifts in students’ attitudes and preferences towards different educational modalities. Results The findings reveal a generally positive reception towards VR, with many students indicating a preference for VR over traditional methods. The study noted significant improvements in understanding and memorization attributed to the use of VR. Exposure to a variety of educational modalities led to notable shifts in student perceptions, particularly an increase in positive perceptions regarding the understanding of anatomy lectures and a heightened preference for VR as a learning method. Conclusions The study underscores the evolving and adaptable attitudes of students towards VR, emphasizing the significant role that diverse learning experiences play in shaping their receptiveness. It provides valuable insights into how medical education can be reshaped through a blended approach that integrates technological innovation with traditional learning methods. These findings advocate for the strategic incorporation of VR in anatomy courses to enhance learning outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06370-6Virtual realityAnatomy educationMedical educationStudent perceptionsBlended learning
spellingShingle Mohammed Al-Hor
Hamad Almahdi
Majed Al-Theyab
Ayman G. Mustafa
Mohammed Seed Ahmed
Sami Zaqout
Exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education: insights on enjoyment, effectiveness, and preferences
BMC Medical Education
Virtual reality
Anatomy education
Medical education
Student perceptions
Blended learning
title Exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education: insights on enjoyment, effectiveness, and preferences
title_full Exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education: insights on enjoyment, effectiveness, and preferences
title_fullStr Exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education: insights on enjoyment, effectiveness, and preferences
title_full_unstemmed Exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education: insights on enjoyment, effectiveness, and preferences
title_short Exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education: insights on enjoyment, effectiveness, and preferences
title_sort exploring student perceptions on virtual reality in anatomy education insights on enjoyment effectiveness and preferences
topic Virtual reality
Anatomy education
Medical education
Student perceptions
Blended learning
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06370-6
work_keys_str_mv AT mohammedalhor exploringstudentperceptionsonvirtualrealityinanatomyeducationinsightsonenjoymenteffectivenessandpreferences
AT hamadalmahdi exploringstudentperceptionsonvirtualrealityinanatomyeducationinsightsonenjoymenteffectivenessandpreferences
AT majedaltheyab exploringstudentperceptionsonvirtualrealityinanatomyeducationinsightsonenjoymenteffectivenessandpreferences
AT aymangmustafa exploringstudentperceptionsonvirtualrealityinanatomyeducationinsightsonenjoymenteffectivenessandpreferences
AT mohammedseedahmed exploringstudentperceptionsonvirtualrealityinanatomyeducationinsightsonenjoymenteffectivenessandpreferences
AT samizaqout exploringstudentperceptionsonvirtualrealityinanatomyeducationinsightsonenjoymenteffectivenessandpreferences