How Virtual Reality Enhances Midwifery Education
In a groundbreaking pilot study recently published in the European Journal of Midwifery, researchers Katrine Aasekjær, Bente Bjørnås, Halldis K. Skivenes, and Eline S. Vik unveiled the transformative potential of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) in midwifery education. Titled “Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) when learning anatomy in midwifery education,” the study showcased how first-year midwifery students used 3D Organon XR to explore and better understand the intricate anatomy of the female pelvis.
A Game-Changer for Anatomy Learning
This innovative approach to anatomy learning focuses on enhancing students’ spatial understanding and knowledge retention through immersive VR. The results are, indeed, impressive. Students reported a marked improvement in their comprehension of pelvic anatomy immediately after the session and, significantly, sustained this understanding even 14 days later. Moreover, the interactive and collaborative nature of the sessions allowed students to engage deeply with the content, elevating their learning experience far beyond traditional methods.
The 3D Organon XR Experience
The 3D Organon platform offers students a unique opportunity to interact with a detailed 3D model of the female pelvis, including bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. The two-hour VR session allowed students to:
- Explore anatomical structures in a way that traditional textbooks cannot offer.
- Rotate, zoom, and manipulate the pelvis to visualize spatial relationships and the complexity of anatomy.
- Collaborate in pairs, with instructors facilitating discussions and ensuring a deep understanding of the material.
- Utilize interactive labels to accurately identify and review anatomical structures.
This hands-on learning approach, facilitated by VR, allows students to gain a multidimensional view of anatomy that is difficult to achieve in a standard classroom setting.
Collaborative and Engaging Learning
In addition to exploring the anatomical models, one of the most engaging aspects of the VR sessions was the integration of collaborative learning. Not only were students tasked with discussing the three stages of labor, but they were also required to demonstrate how the fetus moves through the pelvis during delivery. By using body movements within the virtual environment, students could physically interact with the anatomical models, thereby making the learning experience both engaging and physically immersive. This practical demonstration, in turn, helped solidify their understanding of complex anatomical and physiological processes.
The Impact: Enhanced Knowledge Retention
The pilot study revealed significant improvements in both knowledge retention and spatial understanding among students. By creating an interactive, immersive, and collaborative learning environment, 3D Organon XR enabled students to retain and apply their newfound knowledge effectively. The study noted, “Using VR, the students are invited into an interactive and collaborative environment, so it is likely that VR significantly impacted the students’ ability to understand and learn anatomy.”
Join the Revolution in Education
As the future of medical education continues to evolve, 3D Organon is at the forefront, offering immersive VR tools that revolutionize how students learn. The success of this pilot study is just the beginning, as more educational institutions look to adopt innovative technologies in order to improve learning outcomes and, ultimately, enhance the educational experience for students.
For more information, visit 3D Organon or contact us at [email protected]