3D Human Anatomy Learning - Demonstration of 3D Tools used in Teaching: 3D Videos, Podcasts, PDF.

Human anatomy courses are based on 3D technology since 2006 in Lyon 1 University. The major instructional tools will be presented: 3D Video animation –some of them integrated into podcast – and PDF. Every PDF file contains one 3D image of an anatomical structure that can be moved and turned in space or zoomed. We can even hide or show parts of an anatomical structure and name them, make cut sections, move apart a joint or bones and then put it together. All these 3D images of anatomical structures can be assembled in a portfolio or integrated and animated in a PDF. 3D instructional tools help the students in creating mental images of the anatomical structures, make them rotate in space and better understand their spatial organization which is essential in learning anatomy. An instructional design using this 3D technology is implemented in an online server called Spiral. Our educational evaluations show that students give very positive feedbacks our teaching method using 3D technology.