An Online Platform for Learning Neuroanatomy from Neural Connectivity

该项目旨在通过开发和测试基于神经连接的网络神经解剖教学平台来服务于国家利益。了解功能神经解剖学是注册参加神经科学课程的本科生数量不断增加的基础。与此同时，新的脑成像技术正在导致神经科学研究的范式转变，从关注单个大脑结构转向研究神经网络和连接。这个参与的学生学习水平1项目将促进本科生神经解剖学教育的修订，以平行于神经科学研究中当前的范式转变。交互式3D查看器将帮助学生可视化和理解大脑区域之间的功能和结构关系，心理学验证的培训计划将作为当前神经科学教科书的多媒体伙伴。通过使用神经连接将大脑结构与彼此和有意义的功能联系起来，该项目将为本科生提供神经解剖学的基础资源和功能相关的观点，使他们更好地为快速进步的技术所形成的不断变化的医学和研究工作场所做好准备。该项目旨在开发和测试一个基于网络的平台，使用神经连接数据来提高学生对神经解剖学的学习。AIM 1(开发技术)将包括三个组成部分。开发1将修改和扩展一个名为Show Me the Brain的交互式图形软件系统！(SMtB)，包括可可视化神经连接的白质纤维束的全面3D模型。扩散加权(DTI)图像和神经元追踪数据将用于生成白质路径的3D模型，这些模型将与基于冰冻切片和高分辨率结构MRI的解剖模型完全集成。开发2将创建并测试SMtB的扩展，称为Build-A-Brain，用于配置连接网络。通过与Build-A-Brain互动，学生将选择他们想要学习的大脑区域，并自动被引导到白质区域，将它们组织成功能网络。建议的网络将基于大脑网络的数据库，在该数据库中，大脑区域的排列集合通过白质通路和经验性报告的功能和应用相联系。开发3将构建一个开源社区，用于SMtB、Build-A-Brain和未来平台扩展的持续反馈和改进。目标2(评估学习)将包括一系列为期四个学期的实验，在这些实验中，SMtB和Build-A-Brain将同时用于学生学习和数据收集。这些实验将遵循现有的高度受控的基于课堂的方案，以评估基于连接的本科生培训的保留、迁移和批判性思维效果。这些实验的经验发现将为SMtB和Build-A-Brain平台提供信息并加以改进。NSF IUSE：EDU计划支持研究和开发项目，以提高所有学生的STEM教育的有效性。通过参与的学生学习路径，该计划支持有前景的实践和工具的创建、探索和实施。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project aims to serve the national interest by developing and testing a web-based platform for neuroanatomy instruction based on neural connections. Understanding functional neuroanatomy is foundational to the rising number of undergraduates enrolled in neuroscience courses. At the same time, new techniques for brain imaging are leading to a paradigm shift in neuroscience research from focusing on individual brain structures to investigating neural networks and connections. This Engaged Student Learning Level 1 project will facilitate a revision in undergraduate neuroanatomy education to parallel the current paradigm shift in neuroscience research. An interactive 3D viewer will help students visualize and understand functional and structural relationships among brain areas, and psychologically validated training programs will serve as multimedia companions to current neuroscience textbooks. By using neural connectivity to associate brain structures with one another and meaningful functions, this project will provide undergraduates with a foundational resource and a functionally relevant perspective on neuroanatomy that better prepares them for a changing workplace in medicine and research shaped by quickly advancing technology.This project aims to develop and test a web-based platform that uses neural connectivity data to improve student learning of neuroanatomy. Aim 1 (Develop Technology) will include three components. Development 1 will revise and expand an interactive graphical software system called Show Me the Brain!! (SMtB) to include comprehensive 3D models of white-matter fiber tracts that visualize neural connections. Diffusion-weighted (DTI) images and neuronal tracing data will be used to generate 3D models of white-matter pathways that fully integrate with anatomical models based on cryosections and high-resolution structural MRI. Development 2 will create and test an extension to SMtB called Build-A-Brain for configuring connectivity networks. By interacting with Build-A-Brain, students will choose the brain areas they want to learn and will be automatically directed to white-matter tracts to organize them into functional networks. Suggested networks will be based on a database of brain networks in which permuted collections of brain areas are linked by white-matter pathways and empirically reported functions and applications. Development 3 will build an open-source community for continuous feedback and improvement of SMtB, Build-A-Brain, and future platform extensions. Aim 2 (Evaluate Learning) will include a series of four semester-long experiments in which SMtB and Build-A-Brain will be used simultaneously for student learning and data collection. These experiments will follow an existing highly controlled classroom-based protocol to evaluate the retention, transfer, and critical-thinking effects of connectivity-based training for undergraduates. Empirical findings from these experiments will inform and improve the SMtB and Build-A-Brain platforms. The NSF IUSE: EDU Program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students. Through the Engaged Student Learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.