Content analysis of human anatomy mobile apps for undergraduate student learning using MARuL

Md Reshad, Husna Zahirah and Zaini, Syahrir and Yusof, Nurul Asyiqin (2026) Content analysis of human anatomy mobile apps for undergraduate student learning using MARuL. Medical Science Educator, 36 (2). pp. 917-926. E-ISSN 2156-8650

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Abstract

Introduction: Mobile applications (apps) have gained prominence in health education, particularly for teaching human anatomy, by offering interactive and personalised platforms that enhance learning for both educators and students. Mobile Application Rubric for Learning (MARuL), a validated assessment tool, was designed to rate the quality of educational apps focusing on the teaching and learning aspects. This study aimed to systematically search and evaluate the quality of human anatomy apps for student learning using MARuL. Methods: The iOS App Store was searched using related keywords. The inclusion criteria were: English language, focus on human anatomy learning, non-gaming apps, a star rating of 4.0 or above, and availability of a free version. Two trained reviewers rated the apps independently. Results were computed using Jamovi 2.3.28 and Microsoft Excel (version 16). Results: The systematic search resulted in 20 relevant apps for evaluation. The reliability measures between the two raters in the overall MARuL score showed good reliability with ICC = 0.821 (95% CI: 0.602–0.925). The top three apps with the highest MARuL score are BioDigital Human 3D Anatomy, TeachMeAnatomy and Anatomyka Atlas. Among the four sections assessed in MARuL evaluation (Teaching and Learning, User-centred, Professionalism, and Usability), the Usability section emerged as the highest-rated domain, largely because most apps focused on aesthetics, functionality, ease of use, and technical specifications. Conclusion: The three highest-scoring apps demonstrated high quality and fulfilled the criterion as probably valuable according to the MARuL scale. Future research should assess the effectiveness of top-rated apps in undergraduate anatomy pedagogy.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mobile apps, Anatomy, MARuL , App quality, Student learning
Subjects:	Q Science > QM Human anatomy
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Basic Medical Sciences Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmacy Practice
Depositing User:	Dr Nurul Asyiqin Yusof
Date Deposited:	26 May 2026 11:08
Last Modified:	26 May 2026 11:08
Queue Number:	2026-05-Q3561
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127566

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