title: Role of a computer-generated three-dimensional laryngeal model in anatomy teaching for advanced learners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  (1) To investigate the efficacy of a computer-generated three-dimensional laryngeal model for laryngeal anatomy teaching; (2) to explore the relationship between students' spatial ability and acquisition of anatomical knowledge; and (3) to assess participants' opinion of the computerised model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty junior doctors were randomised to undertake laryngeal anatomy study supplemented by either a three-dimensional computer model or two-dimensional images. Outcome measurements comprised a laryngeal anatomy test, the modified Vandenberg and Kuse mental rotation test, and an opinion survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean scores ± standard deviations for the anatomy test were 15.7 ± 2.0 for the 'three dimensions' group and 15.5 ± 2.3 for the 'standard' group (p = 0.7222). Pearson's correlation between the rotation test scores and the scores for the spatial ability questions in the anatomy test was 0.4791 (p = 0.086, n = 29). Opinion survey answers revealed significant differences in respondents' perceptions of the clarity and 'user friendliness' of, and their preferences for, the three-dimensional model as regards anatomical study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The three-dimensional computer model was equivalent to standard two-dimensional images, for the purpose of laryngeal anatomy teaching. There was no association between students' spatial ability and functional anatomy learning. However, students preferred to use the three-dimensional model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ladak
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Haase
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods*; D007830:Larynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*