Development of Tabletop Models of Internal Organs for Anatomy Learning of the Visually Impaired

Abstract

In this study, we developed two types of tabletop models of internal organs as tactile teaching materials that can be used by the visually impaired when learning anatomy. The first one is a model in which parts of the internal organs that do not have connectional relationships are placed in a concave area of a pedestal. The second one is a model in which parts of the internal organs have a connectional relationship. Parts of the organs were connected using connecting pins, holes, and rubber tubes. A connected respiratory system, a connected digestive system, and a connected urinary system are also placed in the concave areas of the pedestal. Evaluation experiments conducted on the two types of tactile teaching materials revealed that the second model is a better teaching material in terms of placement stability and an understanding of the connectional relationship of internal organs.