From Idea to Learning Tool in Hours: Generative AI in Veterinary Anatomy Education
Spark Talk
Abstract
Many educators have ideas for interactive learning tools, but they often stay as ideas because the process of building them feels too technical, time consuming, or dependent on dedicated development support. In this spark talk, I share a practical example of how generative AI was used to quickly turn one such idea into a fully functional learning tool for veterinary anatomy. The starting point was a simple teaching goal: helping students better understand and compare anatomy across domestic species. Instead of going through traditional development routes, generative AI was used as a co-creation partner to design and build a lightweight, interactive resource that could be used directly in teaching within a few hours. I will briefly walk through how the idea came together, how the build process actually unfolded in practice, and the key decisions made along the way. Even though the speed of development was a major advantage, it also required careful attention to anatomical accuracy, instructional clarity, and avoiding unnecessary features that could distract from learning. This spark talk reflects on what becomes possible when faculty use AI as a practical design partner rather than just a content generator. The goal is not to suggest that AI replaces instructional design, but to show how it can lower barriers to experimentation and help educators quickly prototype and refine teaching ideas in real classroom contexts.
Presenters
Mahesh Sivasubramanian
Prof Practice Asst Professor
Mahesh Sivasubramanian is an Assistant Professor of Anatomy in the Department of Veterinary Clinical and Life Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University. Before joining the faculty at Utah State, Mahesh was an Instructor of Anatomy in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Gary R. Carlson, MD, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University. He graduated with a B.V.Sc & AH degree (DVM equiv.) from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), India and PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences from the Oklahoma State University. He is a passionate and dedicated educator with a strong background in Veterinary Anatomy and Biomedical Sciences. He is committed to fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment, utilizing innovative teaching methodology to enhance student understanding. His work explores the use of generative AI, 3D modelling, and 3D printing to create practical and engaging learning tools for veterinary education. He is particularly interested in making complex anatomical concepts easier to understand through visual and hands-on approaches. He is adept at curriculum development, laboratory instruction, and mentoring students to achieve academic success. He also leads faculty development workshop on NBME-style item writing to support high quality item writing practices in veterinary medical education. Mahesh is recognized for his excellence in teaching with the Excellence in Teaching Award, as voted by students during his time at Oregon State University.