Integrating and evaluating the U-SCALE project

U-SCALE is a Computer Aided Learning Environment to aid the learning and understanding of the fundamental concepts of human gross anatomy. It covers anatomical regions, structures, and relationships using: text, interactive 2-D images, 3-D reconstructions in Virtual Reality, and movie animations emphasizing the clinical aspects. The U-SCALE program was evaluated on the first year gross anatomy course for medical (55) and dental (21) students at the College of Medicine. The course has traditionally been delivered by a combination of 2 didactic lectures and 2 laboratory sessions (tutorial and/or peer teaching) per week. Integration and evaluation were carried out in 2 phases: 1. A prototype module, the æAnterior Abdominal Wall', was supplementary to the weekly lecture and labs such that students used it on their own time. The intent was to elicit an initial æconsumer' response to accessibility, usability, and media quality. 2. A complete unit, the æHead and Neck', was delivered later to replace one of the weekly didactic lectures. The program was used by students prior to lecture. The didactic lecture was replaced by a problem solving tutorial. The evaluation process was designed to assess educational and informational aspects, e.g. quality, relevance, accessibility, and acceptability. The program was delivered via a local WWW server. All students were asked to complete a questionnaire and focus groups (a small number of students) provided directed feedback, which was determined to some extent by the questionnaire.