UW Virtual Brain Project

Overview

The project is an educational initiative from the University of Wisconsin-Madison that uses virtual reality to teach functional neuroanatomy. It consists of five lesson plans covering different sensory systems: Visual, Auditory, Touch, Olfactory, and Gustatory.

Design and Approach

The lessons immerse users in brain models based on real brain scans, allowing them to trace the path from sensory input to cortex. Information stations along the way describe key topics at each stage of neural processing. Each lesson is brief, lasting approximately 5 minutes.

Educational Philosophy

The team views VR as a lens, similar to a microscope or telescope, for experiencing content that would otherwise be difficult to see. Rather than replacing traditional teaching, the project aims to provide enriched experiences integrated within larger course structures.

Research Findings

Studies found the lessons were effective for teaching functional neuroanatomy, with no difference in content learning between VR and PC presentations. However, participants reported VR was more enjoyable and easier to use than PC versions.

Classroom Implementation

In Spring 2019, Professor Karen Schloss used the Virtual Visual and Auditory Systems in her Psychology of Perception course with about 80 students cycling through the experience using 25 Oculus Go headsets in approximately 20 minutes.

Availability

The UW Virtual Brain Project is now available on the Meta Quest Store and can also be downloaded for PC or MacOS.