Visual Mnemonics and Gamification A New Approach to Teaching Muscle Physiology

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Tyler Bland
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9574-8924
Meize Guo
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3013-964X

Abstract

This learning representation is an innovative approach to teaching muscle physiology in a first-year medical school curriculum, utilizing assets from the Medimon game-based website. Medimon is a game designed to enhance students' preference and retention of medical concepts through interactive and visually engaging game contexts. The Medimon game experience allows students to (a) engage with characters representing various physiological components, (b) explore buildings designed to align with visual mnemonics, and (c) reinforce knowledge via game activities of muscle physiology, including muscle, cardiac, and smooth muscle structure and function. By leveraging the detailed visual mnemonics of the game, we implemented Medimon game assets into a presentation on muscle physiology to supplement existing presentation materials and promote long-term retention of muscle physiology.

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How to Cite
Bland, T., & Guo, M. (2024). Visual Mnemonics and Gamification: A New Approach to Teaching Muscle Physiology. Journal of Technology-Integrated Lessons and Teaching, 3(1), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.13001/jtilt.v3i1.8469
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Author Biographies

Tyler Bland, University of Idaho

As a dedicated Clinical Assistant Professor in the WWAMI Medical Education Department at the University of Idaho, Dr. Bland has been deeply involved in pioneering innovative approaches to medical education. His primary responsibility includes leading the pharmacology material, where they are committed to providing comprehensive and engaging educational experiences to future medical professionals. Additionally, he has been instrumental in developing the Medimon project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at integrating game-based learning into the medical curriculum. This project reflects his passion for utilizing technology-rich educational tools to enhance learning and retention, particularly in complex subjects like pharmacology, physiology, and pathology. Dr. Bland’s work in this area is driven by a belief in the transformative power of interactive learning experiences in shaping the next generation of medical practitioners.

Meize Guo, University of Florida

Meize Guo, Ph.D., is currently a post-doctoral research associate with the CSEveryone: The Kenneth C. Griffin CS Education for All Initiative at the University of Florida. Dr. Guo holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology with a minor in Science Education from Indiana University Bloomington. Her professional endeavors are centered on supporting both learners and educators in the realms of technology integration, STEM education, and computer science education at the K-12 level.