Affordances of an innovative ecosystem of multiple tabletops and Anatomy Resources for supporting collaborative practical learning

Abstract

This article explores the components of an innovative ecosystems consisting of networked multiple tabletops, Anatomy and other medical resources within a practical lab environment. The affordances of multi-touch tabletops as well as those of the other components of this novel ecosystem is discussed in terms of supporting collaborative and active learning in large cohorts with few facilitators. An analysis of their key design features and capabilities is also discussed. The potential impact of this ecosystem onto various types of learning are identified which strongly support their integration in learning space to support practical learning as well as 21st century skills for our next generation students.