Leveraging Digital 3D Tools to Enhance Spatial Thinking in Anatomy Education: A Design-Based ResearchFramework

Integrating digital resources like 3D visualizations and virtual dissection tools has enhanced teaching and learning experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the significance of technology-enhanced learning in medical education. This article explores the role of Design-Based Research, a methodology anchored in the learning sciences, in understanding the integration of technology and learning theories in anatomy education. This method focuses on designing, testing, evaluating, and reflecting instructional tools in real-world educational settings, aiming to enhance student learning outcomes. In the context of anatomy education, spatial thinking emerges as crucial, playing an integral role in clinical problem-solving and understanding anatomical structures. We share our experience with a dynamic digital 3D tool to improve spatial thinking and spatial anatomy knowledge to stimulate discussion on instructional design research in anatomy.