Abstract
Human cranial nerves are a group of 12 pairs of nerves originating from the cerebrum and the brainstem. These nerves are mainly responsible for the sensation and motor functions in the head and neck region. A step-by-step approach of cranial nerve assessment during diagnosis is crucial to identify which part(s) of cranial nerves is/are damaged so proper management can be rapidly provided and improve patients’ quality of life.
As our health professional students, they are expected to understand the importance of cranial nerves such as eyeball rolling and the consequence of nerve damage such as facial paralysis. However, it is always a challenging part when they are learning all the cranial nerve functions and related disorders due to the complexity of their organizations inside a human brain.
In this proposed project - Multi-disciplinary Collaboration of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality on Human Anatomy Electronic Learning (MARVEL), we aim to develop a user-friendly and accessible mobile app to enhance the understanding on the organizations and functions of human cranial nerves under augmented reality (AR). Also, we aim to simulate the neurological assessment by virtual reality (VR) technology.
The design of MARVEL will cover the key information and assessment of each topic. To evaluate the impact and usefulness of MARVEL, we will introduce the focus group interview and the questionnaire to collect and analyze the feedbacks from users. We look ahead to this proposed project to boost up self-learning motivation of our health professional students outside the classroom.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
In this project, we aim to develop a user-friendly and accessible mobile app to enhance the understanding in the organizations and functions of human cranial nerves under augmented reality (AR). Also we aimed to simulate the neurological assessment by virtual reality (VR) technology.
Activities, process and outcomes
• Lab activities with the use of the mobile apps in both Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing Science (Pre-registration) programmes have been carried out.
• Two short quizzes have been distributed to students before and after the use of the mobile apps. The results of the quizzes have demonstrated that the use of the mobile apps have strengthened their knowledge on cranial nerves.
• Compared with the previous cohort, the mid-term exam and final exam results have demonstrated that students’ knowledge on cranial nerves have improved with the use of the mobile apps.
• After the use of the mobile apps, a questionnaire has been distributed to students. According to the results of the questionnaire, students agreed that the mobile apps have aroused their learning interests.
Deliverables and evaluation
• Project deliverables: two mobile apps, with one VR apps focuses on the visual field and another focuses on the function of cranial nerves.
• The objective of this project has been accomplished with the production of mobile apps.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
• The mobile apps have not been shared with other units of CUHK for the time being.
Impact on teaching and learning
• The mobile apps have been used in the lab activities. The use of mobile apps in learning anatomy has been firstly attempted in the Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing Science (Pre-registration) Programmes.
• The students’ feedback demonstrated improved learning interest and teaching efficiency.
