Evaluation of Virtual/Augmented Reality Activities in Vertebrate Biology Labs
Grant program: Teaching and Learning Development Grant (TLDG)
Grant recipient: Tammy McMullan, Biological Sciences
Project team: Joan Sharp, Biological Sciences, Leanne Ramer, Biomedical Physiology
Timeframe: June 2019 to February 2022
Funding: $4851.27
Course addressed: BISC 316 – Vertebrate Biology
Final report: View Tammy McMullan's Final Report (PDF) >>
Description: The lab component of BISC 316 teaches vertebrate anatomy and function through the use of museum specimens and representative vertebrates dissections. Dissections are a valuable tool for learning anatomy, the connectivity of components of organ systems and their functions. In addition to learning anatomy, students gain hands-on experience which develops their fine-motor skills, which many of our students require to pursue careers in medicine and veterinary sciences. Many medical and some veterinary schools are currently using virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) programs to enhance their student learning. With the increasing difficulty in obtaining specimens, student interest in VR, and some students’ aversion to dissection, I would like to implement a component of VR/AR in BISC 316 labs. I would like to adapt commercially available vertebrate VR/AR programs and investigate the effect of this addition on student learning outcomes: knowledge of the material, satisfaction with the program, and use of the program (how frequently, when, where, and how they incorporated the program into their study schedule).
Questions addressed:
- What are students’ reasons for taking BISC 316 and their thoughts about dissection, including VR/AR dissection?
- Does the piloting of the VR/AR software with former students indicate that it is a viable option to try in summer 2020?
- Did the inclusion of VR/AR activities improve students’ understanding of anatomy and function?
- How do students rate the overall lab experience for BISC 316?
- How much time do students spend working on the lab component of BISC 316?
- Did you use the VR/AR program outside of scheduled lab hours?
- What is the relationship between time spent working on labs and performance on lab exams?
- What are students’ stress levels with the VR/AR versus actual dissection?
Knowledge sharing: I will informally discuss my findings with my colleagues. I also plan to present my findings at Biology Teaching related conferences (ABLE – Association of Biology Lab Educators), BCBio or similar conferences. I would also like to publish the findings in a teaching-related journal.
Keywords: Anatomy, Virtual Reality dissections, Vertebrate Biology, Remote
View Joan Sharp's ISTLD-funded projects:
Case Studies for a Flipped Classroom (G0130)
Program Evaluation in the Biological Sciences Department (G0270) - with Kathleen Fitzpatrick
Evaluation of Virtual/Augmented Reality Activities in BISC 316 Vertebrate Biology Labs (G0350) - with Tammy McMullan
Expanding STEM Literacy through Content-Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in an Undergraduate Biology Classroom (G0388) - with Angel M.Y. Lin
Fostering a Community of Practice Among Teaching Assistants Through Peer Observation and Reflective Discussion (G0394) - with Megan Barker
From Map to Essay: Designing and Evaluating DMap Features that Scaffold Linear Structuring of Argumentative Writing (G0411) - with John Nesbit
Supporting our TAs: Integrating a Teaching Skills Development Program Within Undergraduate Biology Courses to Enrich the Graduate Student Learning Experience (G0324) - with Megan Barker
View Tammy McMullan's ISTLD-funded projects:
Evaluation of Virtual/Augmented Reality Activities in BISC 316 Vertebrate Biology Labs (G0350) - with Joan Sharp
Fostering a Community of Practice Among Teaching Assistants Through Peer Observation and Reflective Discussion (G0394) - with Megan Barker