Development and implementation of an interactive quicktime VR cranial osteology program to replace the lecture

In order to increase independent student learning and interactive learning programs in the Human Structure Course, a QuickTime VR (QTVR) program on cranial osteology was developed to replace a formal lecture on same. QTVR creates the illusion of handling a real skull, allowing students to rotate the skull image in three dimensions and to view it at different angles. Each bone of the skull was colored and labeled, and landmarks were enhanced and labeled using Adobe Photoshop. A brief text description was linked to each labeled structure. At each viewing perspective, color-coded bones and / or landmark labels could be accessed. Two self-testing modules, one straight forward identification and one requiring cognitive skills, were incorporated to provide students the opportunity to assess their knowledge. Student evaluations indicated that the program was easy to use, contained adequate information and that the testing modules helped them prepare for exams.