Assessing the Effectiveness of 3D-Printed Testes and Ovary Biomodels in Veterinary Reproduction Education: Student-Centered Approach

Abstract

The use of biomodels is prevalent across multiple educational disciplines, with a particular emphasis on their utilization in teaching the anatomy of organs. These tools have not only enriched education, but have also provided an alternative to the ethical and cultural controversies, increased costs, and health and safety risks associated with the use of live animals and cadavers. However, while there is limited data on testes and ovary biomodels in the literature, no findings on their effectiveness in education have been reported. Understanding the morphology of testicular and ovarian tissues is vital for veterinarians. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printed testes and ovary biomodels in veterinary reproduction education and students’ perspective on them. To assess their educational effectiveness, biomodels created to align with specific learning objectives were evaluated against slaughterhouse materials. This comparison was carried out on a total of 94 students divided into two groups. A questionnaire containing 19 different judgments was administered to determine students’ attitudes toward biomodels. Following the assessments, students reported that they perceived biomodels to be a more advantageous resource than the slaughterhouse materials for their practical training (X¯¯¯: 3.12). In addition, they strongly (X¯¯¯: 4.14) expressed their wish to use biomodels in other practical fields of veterinary medicine education. As a result, this study demonstrated for the first time that testes and ovary biomodels can be produced to cover learning objectives in veterinary medicine education. In addition, it was observed that veterinary students supported and demanded the use of these biomodels.