ruminations....

Problems and Solutions for the Anatomy Renovation

We would like a space where students feel that they can work independently or in small groups to learn the anatomy they need in all programs we serve. The tricky bit is that every program has different needs and the students within those programs also have different learning needs and different learning styles.
The space has to also serve the faculty who do the teaching and each faculty person has a different idea of what it takes to teach anatomy. Some faculty need a larger space for large group sessions but there are often sessions with faculty which are very small. Of course, much work in the lab occurs without any faculty at all.
The space has to be able serve a number of groups at the same time. There may be large group sessions and small tutorials occurring at the same time.

Current Problems:
1. It is not clear where the learning materials are to be found
2. The explanations of the material are not clear or often non-existent
3. The space is not laid out for students to work conveniently in groups or with a faculty member
4. Groups larger than about 6-8 have only one place to work in 1R6
5. Most learning material is not in plain view.
6. Lighting is not good in many potential work areas
7. Sound carries through the entire space
8. The carpet is gross.
9. The wall coverings and ceiling tiles are dated and dirty
10. There is very limited work space to view computer-based modules or an e-learning materials.


The anatomy space should meet these standards:
1. Groups of up to 8 students plus/minus an instructor should be able work in one space with adequate lighting and seating/standing.
2. Four- five groups of 8 students should be able to share 1R6 at any one time without disturbing each other
3. One large group (40+) plus two smaller groups should be able to share 1R6 at any one time without disturbing each other
4. One area seating 65 students should be available with the capacity to do large group teaching sessions with anatomic material
5. All learning materials have to be identified and exist in context when brought to the workstation.
6. All learning materials should be easily accessible and in plain view except for wet cadaveric materials.
7. Wet cadaveric material should be easily searchable and identifiable without removing the material from wrappings.
8. The work stations must have the capacity for group e-learning activities

Solutions:
1. Improved signage in all areas
2. Improved task lighting
3. Identify and label every specimen in the lab
a. Dry specimens should have a plain text label and RFID or bar code
b. Wet specimens should have a plain text label plus a picture on the outside of each container
4. Work stations which recognize learning materials with either RFID chips or bar codes and bring up related material
5. Four work areas which can sit/stand 8 people plus an instructor
6. The work stations must be able to accommodate students working with specimens and e-learning materials at the same time
7. One large teaching area which can accommodate 65 students and still leave two free work areas for students to work.
8. Open displays will allow dry material to be displayed in plain site.