Development of interactive MRI-based 3D visualization tools for neuroanatomy education in Latin America

The study of neuroanatomy is fundamental in many scientific fields. Despite this, it is a challenging subject for students. As technology evolves, it is being increasingly incorporated into educational methods, including the teaching of neuroanatomy. Three-dimensional (3D) visualizations are well suited for displaying neuroanatomy. Tools enabling interaction with these visualizations allow students to engage and explore in a personalized way. While such tools are becoming more popular, there is uneven access to them, as well as limited evaluation of their educational impacts. In this work, a 3D neuroanatomy visualization was created through magnetic resonance imaging and appropriate post-processing. The visualization was integrated into two interactive platforms: a Spanish-language web-based tool (https://3dviewer.lavis.unam.mx/projects/neuroinmersa/) and an immersive virtual reality tool called a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) based in Latin America (Mexico). The tools were included in the study plan of a neuroanatomy-related undergraduate course, and their impact was analyzed through student grades and student or faculty questionnaire responses. The tools were well received by faculty and students alike, with high scores for enjoyment, usefulness, and potential for supporting self-study. Student grades showed improvement, which could be associated with the introduction of this resource (pre- vs. post-implementation: p = 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.44), although larger controlled studies are required. For the virtual environment, the importance of "simulator sickness" is highlighted, as it impacted user enjoyment. The creation of these tools enabled preliminary analysis of their impact in an educational setting, while beginning to fill the gap of interactive neuroanatomy education tools in Latin America.