A Mixed-Method Research Exploring the Utility of the Anatomage Table in Promoting Success for College Students in Anatomy Courses at a Four-Year Public University
Brianna Grossman
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: BA.SPCHLANG/HESCI
Faculty Research Mentor: Eunice Nkansah
Abstract:
The mastery of anatomical structures is crucial to college students' success in any healthcare field and determines how effective they will be as practitioners once they complete their degrees. As such, Anatomy instruction at universities prepares students to be excellent clinicians in a variety of disciplines, and thus, is crucial to the betterment of the future of science and medicine. The Anatomage Table is a life-size tablet that contains several manipulable virtual cadavers for in-depth study.
The current study adopted a mixed-method approach to deeply explore and investigate the utility of the Anatomage Table in promoting success for college students in Anatomy courses at a four-year public university. The qualitative phase of the research utilized a case study design, guided by a semi-structed interview to collect data. The quantitative phase utilized an online survey to gather primary data using online questionnaires. The results of the study revealed that college students felt positive about the effect Anatomage would have on their education. Participants appreciated all of the unique features of the Anatomage table and preferred more hands-on learning(instead of power-points or lecture notes) in their Anatomy courses.
Overall, this study affirmed the positive student perceptions of the Anatomage Table and a perceived increase in their classroom success. Given participants’ preference for the Anatomage Table, acquiring it could revolutionize education for students across all disciplines who are taking anatomy courses. The researcher recommends that future studies encompass a larger sample size for the quantitative portion and conduct a longitudinal study exploring the long-term success of clinicians and practitioners who experienced the use of Anatomage Tables in their Anatomy courses.
Keywords: Anatomage Table, Anatomy courses, Cadaver, Success, College Students, Four-Year Public Universities.