Bringing nursing textbook to life using augmented reality

As technology continues to shape the future of higher education, augmented reality (AR) has the potential to transform how students learn and engage with content. AR allows us to project virtual content onto the real world, enhancing the physical environment with digital elements.

At Sage, we’re embracing innovation by exploring how AR can improve the higher education learning experience and provide cutting-edge resources that empower students and educators alike. Leveraging the power of AR to bring textbooks to life, we’re partnering with Ludenso, an AR authoring platform, to trial AR in the textbook Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing Practice by Neal Cook, Andrea Sheperd & Jennifer Boore.

Co-author Andrea Shepherd with Sage and Ludenso

The trial utilizes the Ludenso app, which allows nursing students to explore interactive 3D models of human anatomy and physiology within the pages of the textbook. Using their device, students hover over an AR-enriched diagram to reveal a 3D animation that pops out of the page. The 3D models, such as a beating heart, segments of the brain, and the optical nerve, can then be orientated, manipulated, and explored while students become familiar with intricate aspects of human anatomy.

Research has indicated that 3D anatomy models promote better motivation in students and give them a deeper understanding of physiological functions and dimensions. This visual tool enables students to learn independently, beyond the boundaries of the classroom, and to master a challenging aspect of their nursing program.

Sage and Ludenso celebrate the trial launch

For educators, the year one nursing program is fast-paced, and there is often limited contact time for teaching anatomy and physiology. As a result, educators need high-quality, visual resources to support their teaching of a complex and demanding subject.

Andrea Shepherd, co-author of Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing Practice, has been using the book to enhance teaching in her own classroom. Speaking about the experience, she said “This has helped students visualize anatomical structures in a more realistic and detailed way, allowing them to better understand the relationships between different structures and their functions.”

Join the trial

We believe that AR technology has the potential to transform education by providing students with dynamic, hands-on learning experiences which will help them gain a deeper understanding and improve their academic performance. With positive results from this ongoing trial, we’re inviting further institutions to trial the AR textbook in their classrooms. For information about participating in the trial, please contact david.lin@sagepub.co.uk.