POD 2012 Presentation – Virtual Simulations and Cooperative Learning

(I’m not sure why SlideShare ate some of the PNGs.)

Here is our research presentation (Effects of Virtual Labs and Cooperative Learning in Anatomy Instruction) from the the POD 2012 Conference in Seattle, WA. Thanks to all who came and contributed! Some of my notes from the conference are also embedded below.

Effects of Virtual Labs and Cooperative Learning in Anatomy Instruction 

Virtual simulations and multimedia software are increasingly being used in anatomy instruction en lieu of human cadavers. However, recent research suggests that student outcomes may be hindered by software-based learning methods. Theory and research suggest that cooperative learning may improve outcomes when implementing new instructional technologies. The present study tests this hypothesis with a 2 (instructional technology: cadaver, virtual software) x 2 (cooperative method: jigsaw, individual) between-subjects experimental-control design. Students from 15 undergraduate lab sections (N = 233) were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental groups. Results suggest that cooperative learning promotes motivation and learning retention better than individual lab instructional methods and may be an effective way to ameliorate students’ negative perceptions of new learning technologies.

Here’s a video showing jigsaw in action in one of our anatomy labs:

 

Here are my notes from the POD sessions I attended:

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