Promotion of neuroanatomy education in nursing curriculum with a mobile app

Abstract

<p> <span>In the nursing curriculum, students need to understand the cranial nerve functions such as eyeball rolling and the consequence of the nerve damage such as facial paralysis. However, it is always a challenging part when they are learning all the cranial nerve functions and related disorders due to the complexity of their organizations inside a human brain. To facilitate their learning, we have developed user-friendly and accessible mobile app namely ‘CART (Cranial AR Teaching)’ to enhance the understanding in the organizations and functions of human cranial nerves under augmented reality (AR). With the use of AR app, various cranial nerve dysfunctions have been discussed in the laboratory sessions. Two short quizzes have been distributed to students before and after the use of the AR app. Using the paired t-test, the results of the quizzes have demonstrated the app have strengthened the knowledge on cranial nerves. Moreover, compared with the previous cohort using t-test, the mid-term exam and final exam results have demonstrated that the knowledge on cranial nerves have improved with the use of the app. After the use of the app, a questionnaire has been distributed to students. According to the results of the questionnaire, students agreed that the AR app have aroused their learning interests. The use of AR app has been beneficial to the students by promoting the student-centered learning. The laboratory sessions with the use of the app also enabled the students to build up their knowledge through constructivist approach.</span> <br></p>