Teaching Anatomy in the Multimedia World—Using Digital Tools for Progressive Learning over Time

Abstract

In a cross-faculty project journalism students filmed anatomy briefings on a medical program. The material gave medical students free access to rehearse and repeat over time. The journalism students on their part practiced camera technique, directing and editing: It was an opportunity for students to help students. Following a quality evaluation of undergraduate studies at the Lund University medical faculty in 2011, we explored, developed, and implemented novel educational tools to meet students’ need in the multimedia world in which they operate. Incorporating complementary digital learning resources, in particular integration with mobile applications enabled us to meet students in their own world, thereby enhancing the learning process. We produced short video clips on specific anatomic themes, following the curriculum of the well-established anatomy course, and posted them online, allowing continuous rehearsal and repetition over time at a pace that suits individual students. Also, available to all semesters it provides free opportunities for repetition, reducing the risk of knowledge-loss between basic and clinical parts of the program. Besides the obvious benefits for students, the material gave teachers a clear view of the students’ curriculum. Thus, the material can be used for alternative, more interactive forms of examination. The paper describes the project, and the results from evaluations and integration with mobile technology.