A Multimodal Virtual Anatomy E-Learning Tool for Medical Education

Computer-aided learning (CAL) has great potential in facilitating learning. In medical education, several approaches using CAL have been used. In this paper, we present a novel software platform which we developed to provide a virtual learning environment to support anatomy teaching and learning. This learning platform provides accurate, interactive models which are derived from actual CT and fMRI scans. The virtual 3D environment is particularly useful to help students identify key anatomy structures and their complex spatial relationships. The intuitive computer graphic interface and virtual reality 3D environment make learning interesting and engaging. The platform also allows instructors to easily customize the anatomy model by adding additional digital supplementary learning material including hyperlinks, images, animation, audio, video, and PowerPoint presentations which are all supported within the platform.