Seamless Learning Journey: Exploring Digital Anatomical Experiences in Enriched Medical Education With...

The difficulties experienced in accessing cadavers worldwide are increasing the demand for technology-supported solutions. Virtual cadavers can ensure continuity of education by providing students with the opportunity to explore and examine realistic anatomical structures in detail without any geographical or physical restrictions. In this context, the development of alternative methods such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) tools is of great importance for students to continue their education. In the current study, the effectiveness of a medical education model enriched through metaverse-supported virtual cadavers was examined in order to contribute to the seamless learning experience of students. Consistent with the aim of the study, the effects of this model on students' academic achievement, attitudes towards the course, and academic motivation were evaluated. The study adopted a mixed methodology incorporating qualitative and quantitative techniques. An achievement test, anatomy attitude scale, and academic motivation scale were employed as data collection instrument in the study. In addition, interviews were conducted with the students in the experimental group to examine their experiences with virtual cadavers in the metaverse environment in depth. This study was conducted with the participation of 110 first-year medical students studying at a state university in Türkiye. Within the scope of the study, the students were divided into two groups as experimental and control groups. Although the control group followed the traditional anatomy curriculum, the experimental group performed some activities on virtual cadaver models in the metaverse environment in addition to the curriculum. The research results revealed that the academic achievement, motivation and attitude levels of the students in the experimental group increased more than those in the control group. The students emphasized that metaverse-supported virtual cadaver activities have the potential to increase students' course success, attitudes towards the course and motivation. The findings show that more comprehensive and in-depth research is needed on the potential effects of metaverse-supported virtual cadaver applications in education. This is an important step to increase the efficiency of metaverse applications in education.