Technological Improvement of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Courses at the University of Memphis

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Technological Improvement of the Human Anatomy
and Physiology Courses at the University of
Memphis

• Charles J. Biggers
• Technology Fellowship Program Project

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Goal Statement

• To improve the teaching technology in the human
  anatomy and physiology courses at the University
  of Memphis.

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Project Context and Rationale

• I have selected this goal to improve the
  technology in AP since the demand for the course
  has become so great.
• The class size has risen over the past two years
  from 119 to 350.

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Project Context and Rationale -- Continued

• The students in AP are usually undergraduates
  who want to become career medical professionals.
  The course is required for nursing, physical
  therapy, pharmacy, and others.

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Action Plan

• The major thrust of the project is to improve the
  technology of instruction in order to better
  communicate the content of the course
  effectively.
• My objective was to attempt a number of
  different approaches to improve the technology of
  instruction. The following are some of the
  techniques that I was able to use.

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Action Plan 1

• Instead of using tape recordings of the lectures
  and placing them on reserve in the library, I
  would like to use digital recordings and make the
  recordings available for students on WebCT.

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Results of Action Plan 1
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Action Plan 2

• Experiment with video recordings to show students
  different techniques and different technical
  instruments which cannot be taken to the
  classroom (i.e. electron microscopy,
  electrophoresis, etc).

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Results of Action Plan 2
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Action Plan 3

• Investigate the feasibility of placing my lecture
  notes and transparencies on WebCT for ease of
  copying by my students.

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Results of Action Plan 3
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Action Plan 4

• Add some of the different components that are
  available such as Study Mate.

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Results of Action Plan 4
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Results of Action Plan 4
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Action Plan 5

• Add some of the different components that are
  available on WebCT such as Home Pages for
  students.

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Results of Action Plan 5

• I want to add some of the different components
  that are available on WebCT such as Home Pages
  for students.

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Results of Action Plan 5
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Results
Action Plan 1 The digital recordings have been
very successful as pointed out by student
comments. Action Plan 2 The video clips have
not been inserted into WebCT yet, but the
mechanics of using videos has been
successful. Action Plan 3 The use of a pdf file
for the lecture notes is very successful and much
less expensive for the student than using the
copy center.
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Results - continued
Action Plan 4 The success of Study Mate has not
been adequately determined since it has been
implemented for only one week. But, the students
that have seen it appear to appreciate it as a
useful tool for study. Action Plan 5 The Home
Pages have provided a personal touch enabling
students and professor to become acquainted. A
number of study groups have been formed as a
result of the Home Pages.
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Statistical Results
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Discussion

• A student questionnaire will provide student
  input at the time of the Final Exam.
• An earlier questionnaire would be beneficial to
  make possible improvements as the course
  progresses.
• Several more professional movie clips will be
  added to the course in the future.