Augmented Reality in Anatomy 12
HUMAN ANATOMY ATLAS
Human Anatomy Atlas is a comprehensive app that has thousands of anatomical models covering all regions and systems in the female and male body. Systems highlighted below are directly included in the new (2018) BC Science 12 Anatomy and Physiology curriculum (Province of British Columbia, 2018):
-
Circulatory system
-
Digestive system
-
Endocrine system
-
Lymphatic system
-
Muscular system
-
Nervous system
-
Regional system
-
Reproductive system
-
Respiratory system
-
Skeletal system
-
Urinary system
-
(Source: Visible Body Help Centre)
The app attempts to simulate a lab setting by providing detailed 3D images and using AR to investigate and dissect both gross anatomy and micro-anatomy. AR functionality allows students to view anatomy in ways not previously possible - for example, students can have a 360° view of a virtual human cadaver or body part, or they can analyze cross-sections of various organs or tissues (Bolkan, 2017). While interacting with the body parts, students can also access textual information about the area they are exploring, which deepens the learning on the material they are covering.
Target Audience & Tech Savviness
-
Robust functionality and price tag makes this app for a more advanced teacher that can confidently leverage all of the features and make the investment worthwhile.
-
However, pre-packaged lesson plans are available on the app/website for teachers to use, making onboarding easier for teachers that may not have as much experience in AR, or with incorporating apps and devices into the classroom.
-
Depth and breadth of content makes this app appropriate for higher education classrooms, but it certainly would be applicable for a grade 12 classroom as well.
How to Use the App
AR functionality in the Anatomy Atlas app can be used both in the Gross Anatomy and Micro-anatomy sections, found under the “Views” tab. In either view, you next select the piece of anatomy that you want to explore, and once the model appears on the screen, you enable AR mode and find a flat surface to situate the model on. You can then use your fingers to interact with the model by moving around it, or by cutting through the different layers and cross-sections of the model, from gross anatomy to the micro-anatomy of special organs.
The following video highlights the AR capabilities that can be accessed:
Unique Features
-
The Anatomy Atlas app is a great example of Mishra & Koehler’s (2006) Technology, Pedagogy, Content, and Knowledge (TPACK) model in action:
-
Although the AR technology on the app is very well done and an engaging enhancement, it is only one component of why this app is such a great resource. The breadth, depth and quality of the content of this application and how it is designed with students in mind really sets the foundation for why teachers and/or schools would invest in this application. For example, UBC professor Blythe Nilson provides a brief tour of how she uses the visual 3D content in Anatomy Atlas to cover some more difficult anatomical structures (Note that even though this example is from a higher education institution, we felt it was relevant to include as it’s a testimonial from an instructor on how they specifically bring the app into the classroom to help cover core concepts):
- The app contains preloaded courses, labs and quizzes that can be accessed with an instructor license. The lesson plans are a great pedagogical addition, offering teachers an easier way to explore the app, and efficient way to incorporate it into their course. Teachers that are more experienced with the app and/or comfortable with technology can also select to build their own lessons or labs. The following video gives a quick walkthrough of an AR lab on the app:
-
On the assessment side, Anatomy Atlas contains a large index of over 3,5000 questions to use. Teachers can select pre-made quizzes, configure their own quiz, or create their own items. In addition, the app has back-end grade reporting capabilities that can be integrated into most common LMS platforms (including Canvas, D2L, etc.). For those interested in exploring Anatomy Atlas’ instructor offerings in further detail, more detailed demos and descriptions can be found on their website.
-
The AR functionality in this app is quite advanced.
Challenges & Limitations
-
Cost is a significant barrier for adoption. Licences are expensive. In orer to use this in a classroom, a group/class licence would need to be purchased by the school. Students in the class can have access to application for the duration of the semester.
-
Device limitations. While some of the app functionality is available on older devices, the AR only works on newer devices & OS. So, users may be able to download the app, but they may not necessarily be able to access the AR portion of the app.
-
Application size. (just over 1G) makes it difficult to store on a phone or older devices with smaller drives and memory capacity. Even on a tablet, the size of the app makes it run a bit slower. For optimal usage, you would want a newer device with ample storage space.