An interactive and adaptive learning resource for teaching first-year human anatomy

Abstract

Anatomy is a particularly challenging unit in many first-year university courses, however adaptive learning resources provide an opportunity to engage students in practical-based units such as anatomy. Here, the impact on student engagement, student learning and exam preparedness of implementing 21 interactive online adaptive lessons was evaluated. A total of 276 first-year students, enrolled in allied health undergraduate degrees from 2016 to 2020, consented to participate in this mixed methods study. Our findings suggest a positive correlation between the number of lessons a student completed and a positive performance in each of the three assessment items in the unit (p<0.05). We also identify an increase in students perceived understanding of anatomy after completing the lesson (p<0.0001). Students worldwide appreciate individualised, flexible and engaging nature of learning technologies. Here, we evidence that students appreciated online adaptive lessons to learn anatomy and exhibited a high level of satisfaction.