This article is for anyone interested in an overview of the key features of Visible Body Courseware. Similar content is provided in the Courseware Overview brochure that can be downloaded from the VB Product Information Kits page.
VB Courseware is a 3D visual science learning platform with fully immersive assignments and LMS integration. The software includes key accessibility, and security features and integrates with the most commonly-used learning management systems. This article overviews for instructors, admins, and students:
- Courseware access options
- Assignments and assessments
- Gradebook
- Reference content
- Accessibility
Purchasing and accessing Courseware:
VB Courseware can be accessed from any desktop or computer that runs Windows, MacOS, or ChromeOS, using Chrome, Safari, or Edge browsers. See the system requirements article for details.
- Purchasing:
(1) A Site License at an academic institution is quoted on a per student annual basis and provides account-based access for the number of students, instructors, and administrators needed.
(2) There is also the option for students to purchase an individual annual account.
- Direct access or through an LMS (learning management system):
(1) Any instructor, student, or administrator with an active account can sign in at courseware.visiblebody.com.
(2) There is also the option to provide single sign-on access by integrating with a number of popular Learning Management Systems (LMS):
- Available: Canvas, Blackboard, D2L, and Schoology
- In development: Moodle, Sakai, Google Classroom, Clever and Classlink.
Assignments and quizzes
The Visible Body asset database includes: premade assignments, courses, and quizzes. There are also thousands of visual and interactive assets, such as 3D model sets, illustrations, animations, histology slides, and diagnostic imaging.
Visual and bite-sized assignments
Any instructor or administrator with a VB Courseware account can:
(1) Select a premade course to quickly start using assignments with students and tracking their progress.
(2) Create a custom course from premade lessons.
(3) Create lessons using the Visible Body asset database.
(4) Create lessons using their own videos, visuals, and documents.
Additional lesson features here.
Any student with a VB Courseware account can:
(1) Access any course to which they have been invited.
(2) Complete any assignment an instructor/administrator has published.
(3) Track due dates and completion.
Quizzes
The VB Courseware Quiz Bank includes a large database of quizzes and quiz questions. These include the following question types: interactive dissection, multiple choice, and short answer.
Any instructor or administrator with a VB Courseware account can:
(1) Select a premade quiz created from VB assets.
(2) Edit any quiz or question.
(3) Create quizzes using the Visible Body asset database.
(4) Create quizzes using their own content.
Assignment and quizzing features for instructors and administrators include the ability to:
- Select courses and assignments with assessments from VB Courseware’s premade assignments.
- Edit any premade course, lesson, or assessment.
- Create assignments and assessments using assets from the VB visual database.
- Create assignments using content from other sources.
Additional quizzing details here.
Any student with a VB Courseware account can:
(1) Take any quiz an instructor/administrator has published.
(3) See their performance in the Gradebook.
LMS Integration
Single Sign on (SSO) LMS integration:
SSO offers instructor and student access through a school's LMS. Students sign in to their course and seamlessly access Course assignments and reference content.
- Available: Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, and Schoology for Site License customers
- In development: Moodle, Sakai, and Google Classroom, Clever, and Classlink for Site License customers
Gradebook Integration:
Gradebook integration beta access is available August 2024 for Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, and Schoology for Site License customers. Gradebook integration offers instructors the following features:
- Create, edit, and manage Courseware assignments from within their LMS.
- Courseware Gradebook reports to their LMS gradebook.
Gradebook
VB Courseware includes a roster and grade book that tracks students' time on assignments and assessments and records scores. Instructors and administrators can also use the Gradebook to:
- Drop/transfer students from a course.
- Provide individual student accommodations.
- Set parameters for quiz points and attempts.
For additional roster details see this article.
For additional Gradebook details see this article.
Reference content
Any student, instructor, or administrator with an active VB Courseware account also has access to a wealth of practice, lab, and reference content under the My Apps section of VB Courseware.
- VB Suite is accessible via the web or can be downloaded to an Android device, an iPhone, or an iPad. This app includes Visible Body's global, best-selling reference content, Flashcard decks students can use to practice, Augmented Reality with companion labs that instructors can use in class, and a number of other teaching and learning features.
- The Anatomy & Physiology bootcamp app provides anyone starting out, or needing a refresher, with a series of mini lessons on the key structures and functions of each human body system.
- Additional labs, study guides, and resources are available for students and instructors on the Visible Body website.
Accessibility
In 2023, VB Courseware enhanced its accessibility features and upgraded its VPAT to have the dashboard fully keyboard navigable and screen reader accessible. Instructors and administrators can contact the VB sales team to request a demo and the latest VPAT.
Privacy
Visible Body has safeguards and policies in place to meet high standards for protecting student data.
- VB Courseware is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and uses AWS-S3-Virusscan and ClamAV
- VB maintains cyber liability insurance and has a comprehensive Incident Response Plan
- The VB Team is FERPA compliance trained
For additional privacy details see this article.