Virtual Immersive Learning for Developing Anatomical Knowledge and Dysphagia Assessment Skills in Speech and Language Therapy Students

Abstract

We propose to create virtual immersive learning resources for students to supplement in-person seminars and workshops on a core topic, swallowing, in the Speech-Language Therapy (SLT) undergraduate degree program. These resources may be used across all SLT year groups: first-year students and second-year students in SLT1204 Anatomy and Physiology for Human Communication and Swallowing and SLT2105 Dysphagia Management in Adults; and second-year, third-year and fourth-year students who need revision of swallowing knowledge and skills prior to clinical placement education (CPE). It focusses on 2 parts that teaching faculty have received frequent requests to revise or have observed students to perform more poorly in:

1. 360-degree videos of laryngeal palpation and cervical auscultation during a clinical bedside swallowing evaluation
2. 3D images of head and neck anatomy from plastinated and plastic models with tailored labelling of structures that are of interest to SLT.

This project aims to investigate the impact of these virtual immersive learning resources for swallowing anatomy and assessment skills (i.e. laryngeal palpation and cervical auscultation) on the student experience and performance in swallowing-related modules and on CPE.