Each month, a faculty member, nominated by their dean, is recognized for their efforts to integrate innovative technology into their classroom. October’s digital faculty member of the month is Megan Brady, assistant professor of athletics training/coordinator of clinical education, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Read an interview with Megan below:

Which course do you use this technology in? Human Anatomy labs

What type of technology do you use? zSpace and Visible Body, 3D human anatomy dissection

In what context do you use this technology? Lab setting. Students “dissect” the human body to look at anatomical structures using the zSpace systems and Visible Body software. Students work in pairs, two students per zSpace system.

How does this type of technology align with your teaching pedagogy? The human anatomy labs are very hands-on, so students learn by doing. My teaching pedagogy is surrounded by hands-on learning experiences, which I feel are very beneficial to learning.

Where did you get the inspiration to make a change? The zSpace systems and Visible Body software were introduced to me by a colleague. In years prior to my arrival at Drake, human anatomy labs were taught using anatomical models. The zSpace systems and Visible Body software provide students not only with visuals of the anatomical structures, but also added information related to each structure, as well as pathologies of each structure. The zSpace systems and Visible Body software provide students a solid foundational learning and understanding of human anatomy.

How long did it take for you to implement this technology? The zSpace systems and Visible Body software were purchased during the Fall 2016 semester, and we implemented them into the human anatomy labs in the Spring 2017 semester.

Did Drake ITS assist you in implementing this technology? Yes definitely. Anthony [Squire] has been an integral member of the zSpace systems/Visible Body software team. He set up all of the systems, ensured they were all working properly, and conducts regular updates and maintenance on all of the systems. If we have any hardware issues, Anthony also takes care of those. Our human anatomy labs would not be successful if Anthony were not a part of them.

Are you interested in trying out new technology in your classroom? Want help from ITS? Schedule a technology adoption consultation.

—Jon Hurdelbrink, CPHS, and Carla Herling, ITS