The appropriate application of computer-assisted instructional technologies can enrich and expand the educational environment beyond the classroom.

In the past few years, Colorado State University's veterinary program instituted the use of interactive multimedia to teach anatomy. This DVD program, Virtual Canine Anatomy, affects not only the classroom but also extends beyond the campus to the student’s home. The DVD program provides an interactive source of information that extends the presence of the “instructor” beyond scheduled class times. The program allows the luxury of self-paced, individualized learning. It also provides a focal point around which the instructor and student can exchange ideas and make interpretations of course content. Research suggests this program is an effective tool to enhance the study of anatomy (Linton, Schoenfeld-Tacher, Whalen, 2005). Veterinary students around the world are now reviewing this program. A Macintosh OS X version is also available for testing.

Disclaimer: The "Features" section on this website displays images of a dissected dog from the program. All animals in this project were treated humanely.