Student Motivation Using Virtual Reality in Human Anatomy and Physiology Courses

Avinash Thadani; Isabelle Dechamps; James Doran; Cassandra Forlani; Rob Theriault; Sean Madorin

doi:10.21432/cjlt28609

Authors

Avinash Thadani Georgian College https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4067-7665
Isabelle Dechamps Georgian College
James Doran Georgian College
Cassandra Forlani Georgian College
Rob Theriault https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4029-4821
Sean Madorin Georgian College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21432/cjlt28609

Keywords:

3D-Organon, human anatomy and physiology courses, motivation, nursing, technology-enhanced learning, virtual reality

Abstract

This study investigates student motivation using virtual reality (VR) technologies in anatomy and physiology courses. Over a two-year period, 21 college students from nursing, paramedic, and biotechnology-health programs were recruited for this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either a group using immersive VR on Quest 2 headsets or a group using desktop-based VR on personal computers. Both groups utilized VR on the health education platform 3D-Organon. The study compares the intrinsic motivation between these two groups. Four subscales of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory were employed for this study. The immersive VR group was statistically significantly higher on the interest/enjoyment and perceived competence subscales. There was no significant difference between the two groups on the pressure/tension and perceived choice subscales. This study demonstrates VR's potential in boosting student motivation in human anatomy and physiology courses. Due to limited participation in pre- and post-assessment tools, content-based learning gains could not be compared. This highlights challenges in conducting VR studies in postsecondary institutions, including volunteer bias, curriculum integration barriers, student recruitment, and survey fatigue. These insights are critical for administrators and pedagogical designers when evaluating wider VR adoption in health and science education.

Author Biographies

Avinash Thadani, Georgian College

Avinash Thadani obtained his PhD from the University of Toronto and is currently a professor in the Baccalaureate Nursing program at Georgian College in Ontario, Canada. His research has resulted in nearly 20 peer-reviewed scientific articles, including publications in Nature and PNAS. He is also an inventor with five USA and Canadian published patents. Email: Avinash.Thadani@GeorgianCollege.ca ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4067-7665

Isabelle Dechamps, Georgian College

Isabelle Deschamps received her PhD from McGill University and is currently a professor in the Honours Degree in Counselling Psychology at Georgian College in Ontario, Canada. Her research bridges neuroscience with multiple applied domains, using insights into brain mechanisms of cognition and perception to better understand human behaviour. Email: Isabelle.Deschamps@GeorgianCollege.ca ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2128-0083

James Doran, Georgian College

James Doran is an independent research and innovation consultant who supports private and academic organizations with project development, management, and reporting. He specializes in grant writing, community engagement, and strategic planning, helping clients secure funding and advance new ideas. His work bridges research and practice to create meaningful outcomes. ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9069-7951

Cassandra Forlani, Georgian College

Cassandra Forlani has contributed to a wide range of research initiatives, including studies on police mental health, advancing inclusion, and academic integrity. Her dedication to helping others, combined with her passion for teamwork, drives her pursuit of shaping a more promising future within her current role as a research analyst. Email: Cassandra.Forlani@GeorgianCollege.ca

Rob Theriault

Rob Theriault is the Immersive Technology Manager for Georgian College in Ontario, Canada, and leads the exploration and integration of XR and AI. Rob has a Master of Educational Technology from the University of British Columbia and is the recipient of the Virtual World Society’s Nextant Educator Prize for global leadership in XR. Email: Rob.Theriault@GeorgianCollege.ca ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4029-4821

Sean Madorin, Georgian College

Sean Madorin is a professor at Georgian College in Ontario, Canada, with expertise in anatomy and physiology. Sean developed physiology courses that utilise data acquisition systems to provide students with rich lab-based learning experiences. Sean has developed an interest in using augmented reality tools to teach anatomy in Georgian’s Biotechnology program and is eager to apply these tools along with AI to support student learning in anatomy and physiology courses. Email: Sean.Madorin@GeorgianCollege.ca ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2031-4129

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