Pictured here is a lecture on “Anatomy” using virtual reality (VR) at Kyung Hee University School of Medicine. (Image courtesy of Kyung Hee University)
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Korea Bizwire) –Using virtual reality (VR) technology in medical school anatomy classes has proven to be highly effective. Kyung Hee University, the first medical school in Korea to introduce hybrid anatomy lectures, has demonstrated that changes in medical education due to the COVID-19 pandemic are also affecting medical school practices.
Kyung Hee University began teaching anatomy with VR in 2021, offering a ‘hybrid anatomy lecture’ that combines traditional cadaver-based training with VR simulations. The university is actively integrating VR, augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse into its educational programs.
This incorporation of VR into anatomy education has transformed the teaching approach. It enables a method known as flipped learning, where students first learn online and then engage in in-person discussion with professors.
Medical students access platforms like ‘e-Anatomy’ and ‘e-Neuroanatomy’ to watch instructional videos on anatomy before participating in practical exercises.
Kim Do-kyung, a professor from Kyung Hee University’s Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, was an early adopter of VR applications for anatomy, having introduced them into his classes three years ago.
He generously shares the VR content with institutions interested in using it for educational purposes, with the videos available in both Korean and English for global use.
VR content on human anatomy created by Professor Kim Do-kyung from Kyung Hee University School of Medicine. (The image provided by Prof. Kim Do-kyung)
Kim explains, “We aim to empower students to conduct their own dissections, especially in cases where cadavers are scarce. Sometimes, students only observe or never get the chance to work in the lab, and we want to provide some assistance.”
As the number of cadaver donors continues to decline, Kim has emphasized the need to build anatomy content for the future. He acknowledges the importance of creating a sustainable platform, involving students in content creation, and maintaining high-quality standards.
The ultimate goal is to establish a global platform for medical, nursing, and health schools worldwide to access top-notch educational content from Korea.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
