Augmented reality applications for anatomy education have seen a large growth in their literature presence as an educational technology. However, the majority of these new anatomy applications limit their educational scope to the labelling of anatomical structures and layers, and simple identification interactions. There is a strong need for expansion of augmented reality applications, in order to give the user more dynamic control of the anatomy material within the application. To meet this need, the mobile augmented reality (AR) application, InNervate AR, was created. This application allows the user to scan a marker for two distinct learning modules; one for labelling and identification of anatomy structures, the other one for interacting with the radial nerve as it relates to the movement of the canine forelimb. A formal user study was run with this new application, which included the Crystal Slicing test for measuring visual spatial ability, the TOLT test to measure critical thinking ability, and both a pre- and post-anatomy knowledge assessment. Data analysis showed a positive qualitative user experience overall, and that the majority of the participants demonstrated an improvement in their anatomical knowledge after using InNervate AR. This implies th at the application may prove to be educationally effective. In future, the scope of the application will be expanded, based on this study’s analysis of user data and feedback, and educational modules for all of the motor nerves of the canine forelimb will be developed.

We present an interactive book platform that was initially developed for veterinary students. This platform provides a simple tangible book interface that users can touch, flip through pages, and read the content. Meanwhile, they experience a dynamic content display system using a projector. In this paper, we present an interactive book which specifically covers Cattle (Bovine) laminitis, a painful and widely prevalent disease in cattle. Our project aims to support students' understanding of the multi-faceted nature of bovine laminitis, through the use of an interactive book interface. We implemented the unique approach of using paper circuitry to create the electrical pathway from an actual book to the computer. Book pages with embedded paper circuitry become an interactive surface, that visualizes a progression of bovine laminitis through its stages of disease. Future development of the work will include developing content from other disciplines for the same platform.

We present Anatomy Builder VR that examines how a virtual reality (VR) system can support embodied learning in anatomy education. The backbone of the project is to pursue an alternative constructivist pedagogical model for learning canine anatomy. The main focus of the study was to identify and assemble bones in the live-animal orientation, using real thoracic limb bones in a bone box and digital pelvic limb bones in the Anatomy Builder VR. Eleven college students participated in the study. The pilot study showed that participants most enjoyed interacting with anatomical contents within the VR program. Participants spent less time assembling bones in the VR, and instead spent a longer time tuning the orientation of each VR bone in the 3D space. This study showed how a constructivist method could support anatomy education while using virtual reality technology in an active and experiential way.