Library offers space for teaching with virtual reality
Harrell Health Sciences Library’s Experimental Classroom, located above the library, is a great space to try out teaching using virtual reality.
Recently, medical students in the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship were able to use the space to enter a virtual cadaver lab prepared by Dr. Evan Goldman and Dr. Sona Jasani.
Students entered the classroom to see four VR sets stationed around the room and one on their instructor’s head. After a brief introduction on how to use the controllers, they were able to enter their virtual lab.
Although students were physically in the Experimental Classroom, they were instantly transported to a lab with photorealistic 3D models of cadavers with sections highlighted and prepared for students to investigate. Dr. Goldman and Dr. Jasani took turns guiding students through identifying key pieces of anatomy while quizzing their knowledge of the function of each piece.
Throughout the session students were able to move yellow, orange and red spheres to places on a model to identify where bleeding, pressure or swelling would take place. Dr. Jasani was able to see what each student was looking at, help them relocate the spheres if needed and give them more information.
The Experimental Classroom is equipped with four VR headsets and four high-performance computers. The computers are preloaded with several VR apps that instructors can use to teach anatomy or watch simulations of certain procedures. Those interested in teaching in the experimental classroom can book the space through the library website. Technical help and training are available upon request by emailing librarytech@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email the Penn State College of Medicine web department.