The interactive virtual muscle and heart - Using Minecraft Education Edition to teach skeletal muscle and cardiovascular physiology

Area of Science:

• Physiology Education
• Game-Based Learning
• Tertiary Education

Background:

• Educational video games are increasingly used in primary and secondary schools.
• Complex educational games have potential utility in tertiary education.
• Minecraft Education Edition (MEE) provides a 3D, block-based virtual environment fostering creativity and collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the creation and implementation of interactive 3D models in MEE for teaching skeletal muscle and cardiac physiology.
• To evaluate the use of MEE for second-year university students' physiology education.
• To discuss the benefits, limitations, and educational theories related to using MEE in physiology teaching.

Main Methods:

• Developed custom interactive 3D worlds in MEE representing skeletal muscle and cardiac systems.
• Students engaged with virtual models to explore physiological processes like muscle excitation-contraction coupling and the cardiac cycle.
• Incorporated "escape room" style quizzes and class discussions to reinforce learning and identify model limitations.

Main Results:

• Successfully created functional, interactive 3D models of skeletal muscle and the heart within MEE.
• Students actively participated in virtual exploration of physiological processes.
• The approach facilitated a novel method for visualizing and interacting with complex biological systems.

Conclusions:

• MEE is a viable tool for enhancing tertiary physiology education through immersive, interactive virtual models.
• This game-based approach can foster deeper understanding and engagement with complex physiological concepts.
• Further exploration of MEE's benefits and limitations in higher education is warranted.