An Assessment of Students Perceptions of Learning Benefits Stemming from the Design and Instructional Use of a Web3D Atlas

Abstract

Abstract: This article has a dual purpose: it describes the development of First Year Dental Anatomy (FYDA), a web‑based 3D interactive application used in the dental curriculum at a major Canadian university, and it reports on the results of a research study conducted to assess the perception of learning benefits students experienced through the use of FYDA in a dental anatomy course. Questionnaires administered upon the completion of three semesters during which FYDA was used reveal some benefits for learning, but also a few deterrents for use, primarily related to some aspects of design. Generally, the students received the application with interest and viewed it as a useful aiding tool in learning dental anatomy. The results suggest the overall 3D models met the students learning objectives and expectations and, in their view, were conducive to their understanding of internal and external dental anatomy. Issues related to the over‑sensitive controls, navigational flaws and manipulation difficulties caused some learners a certain level of frustration, but these were not severe enough to hinder the students learning.