A Research‐based Approach to Pedagogy in xR ‐ What’s the Evidence?

Three‐dimensional visualization technology such as virtual reality and other forms of extended reality (xR) are experiencing an exponential growth in interest and development. The application of xR for comprehending spatially complex, interconnected objects inherent in anatomical education is a particularly promising application of the technology. By adopting xR, educational institutions may be able address more than the challenges of pedagogy but also issues related to the resource intensiveness of acquiring, processing, and teaching with cadavers. However, there is a very long and checkered history of the use technology to augment anatomy learning. This talk will address the 150‐year history of the successes and failures of xR in anatomy education, the significant technological, physical and cognitive challenges that need to be met with the current technology and a peek at a hopeful future where those challenges are met, and xR achieves its considerable promise.