Bring Your Own Device Initiative to Improve Engagement and Performance in Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II Laboratories

Abstract

In an informal survey, just 4.93% (2014) and 6% (2015) of Human Anatomy and Physiology students stated that their favorite lab activity was using a microscope. Additionally, performance on lab practical microscopy questions was low with the average percent correct between 31.85% and 41.94%. To increase student interest, engagement and performance, we purchased microscope adapters that allow students to take photomicrographs with their smartphones. Likert surveys were used to assess student engagement, and the percent of correct answers on histology questions on lab practicals. Comparisons were made between semesters where adapters were used and not used. Results show that lab practical scores were higher in semesters where microscope adapters were used compared to semesters where they were not used, but the increase in student performance was not significant. The use of smartphones along with microscope adapters has the potential to improve student engagement, but the role that smartphones play in student performance is unclear. doi: 10.21692/haps.2018.004