A Mixed Reality Technology as a Supplemental Learning Tool of the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

Learning anatomy and physiology is a difficult task for students entering the field of Health Sciences and Medicine. While cadavers and textbooks are the current standard for teaching anatomy, potential alternative is the utilization of mixed reality technologies. These technologies have the ability to augment human anatomy models directly onto the user, who can then interact with them in a 3D envi-ronment. Our proposed technology, known as the Magic Mir-ror, was assessed in the Anatomy and Physiology I lecture at the University of Ottawa. Data from surveys was collected based on a five-point Likert Scale. Surveys focused on student interaction with the Magic Mirror technology as well as their thoughts about how it compared to learning the cardiovascular system versus traditional Atlas textbooks. Final results demon-strated a strong positive assessment of the Magic Mirror which offers the potential to continue improving the technology for future implementation in anatomy curricula.