Motor Learning in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type I

The aim of this study was to quantify the frequently observed problems in motor control in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) using three tasks on motor performance and motor learning. A group of 70 children with NF1 was compared to age-matched controls. As expected, NF1 children showed substantial problems in visuo-motor integration (Beery VMI). Prism-induced hand movement adaptation seemed to be mildly affected. However, no significant impairments in the accuracy of simple eye or hand movements were observed. Also, saccadic eye movement adaptation, a cerebellum dependent task, appeared normal. These results suggest that the motor problems of children with NF1 in daily life are unlikely to originate solely from impairments in motor learning. Our findings, therefore, do not support a general dysfunction of the cerebellum in children with NF1

Designing Anatomy Teaching Spaces to Meet the Needs of Today’s Learner

There are three key aspects to anatomy pedagogy: the when, how much, and how. The relative importance of all three will vary to a certain extent depending on teaching methods, but all require an adequate learning environment. The design of this learning environment needs to take into consideration student learning, local culture, and assessment. Within this context as much attention should be given to the development of the informal and hidden curricula as with that of the formal curriculum. Ultimately, it is assessment and its milieu that will drive learning in order to assure matching student behavior. Here the authors provide a succinct, practical, and problem-oriented approach to the design of anatomy teaching spaces that addresses the needs of today’s anatomy student. The authors also include key design considerations as well as aspects of the design process, such as the provision for appropriate sensory stimulation, plumbing and electricity requirements, surface area per student, the attainment of learning objectives, catering for assessment, e-learning capabilities, and a dynamic environment that can be suitably reconfigured