incorporating virtual slides into web-based learning modules and laboratory exercises
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Incorporating Virtual Slides into Web-based Learning Modules and Laboratory Exercises. Haviva M. Goldman, Ph.D. Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy Drexel University College of Medicine. Introduction. Use of histological slides and microscopy in undergraduate medical education - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Incorporating Virtual Slides into Web-based Learning Modules and Laboratory
Exercises
Haviva M. Goldman, Ph.D.Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy
Drexel University College of Medicine
Introduction• Use of histological slides and microscopy in
undergraduate medical education– Microanatomy - 1st year– Pathology -2nd year
• Interdisciplinary Laboratories– Students work in groups
– Shared microscopes, monitors, videodisk players
Two curricula
• Traditional (IFM)– Integrated, modular, symptoms-based curriculum– Microanatomy course taught over an 8 month
period, integrated with several other courses
• Problem based (PIL)– Microanatomy taught as part of an anatomy block– 3 month intensive period, integrated with case
vignettes– Fewer hours of scheduled laboratory sessions
Towards Virtual Microscopy• Requirements
– Web-based; Wireless Access– Flexible and Customizable
• Ability to tailor slides and annotations towards either curriculum
• Began digitizing current slide collection (200+ slides) in 2004– MBF Bioscience Virtual Slice Module for Stereoinvestigator– MBF Bioscience Neuroinformatica server
• Open Source• .jsp/.asp
– Server also houses University of Iowa’s (Dr. Fred Dee) collection
•Integrate into current laboratory manual and website–Dreamweaver
–Html and active server pages (ASP)
• Challenge: Integrate virtual slides into the microanatomy course without losing independent learning component
Towards Virtual Microscopy
Introducing virtual microscopy: IFM
• 2005: Two trial labs; work our way backwards• Currently 2/3 of the course available as virtual
laboratories; Complete next academic year.• Microscopes and glass slides still available;
Usage encouraged. – scavenger hunts– Exams
• Organization of laboratory remains the same:– Students work in groups of 5 with instructor
available for guidance.
The Virtual Microscope
The Virtual Microscope Web Interface
Slide Orientation
Gross-anatomy correlates
Introduce new imaging modalities
Focus Questions
Embedded Annotated Review Questions
Mystery Slides
Results - IFM
• Overwhelmingly positive student feedback
• Individual students chose to use the resource in different ways– preview vs. review
• Performance on exams unchanged
Strong AgreeAgree
NeutralDisagree
Strong Disagree
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ResponsePercentage
The use of virtual slides enhanced my understanding of the subject more than glass slides
Strong AgreeAgree
NeutralDisagree
Strong Disagree
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ResponsePercentage
The annotations improved my understanding of the laboratory material
Strong AgreeAgree
NeutralDisagree
Strong Disagree
S1
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ResponsePercentage
The annotations discouraged independent learning of the laboratory material
“The virtual microscope was amazing. It actually encouraged our group to regularly attend MA labs because we were reassured that we’d have time to get together and pool the resources of the tangible slides, videodisks, virtual microscope, and a professor…It didn’t replace our use of the actual slides, but supplemented and reinforced what we were learning.”
“The virtual slides are very nice to learn from, but I feel like there is something sacrificed in the process. I’m not quite sure if it’s what you gain from searching the slide yourself, which has more of a problem solving aspect to it.”
Virtual Microscopy in PBL
• Virtual slides (some annotated/some not) available from the beginning of the course
• Self-study modules
Case-based Microanatomy web page
Example: Bone Formation Laboratory
Results
• Students overwhelmingly prefer virtual slides
• But, with virtual slides introduced at the beginning of the course:– Lab attendance dropped– Laboratory groups splintered– “group learning” diminished
• Need more flexibility– Allow student to choose annotation level (no annotation,
hyperlinks, full annotation); rollovers; quiz-mode– Students make their own annotations– Randomize slides for studying
• Facilitated review sessions rather than facilitated laboratories– Student’s present structures– New, mystery slides– Review quizzes
• Need more virtual slides– File format issues
Future
• Different solutions for different curricula– For PBL students, integrate microanatomy into their cases– For IFM students, integrate microanatomy with other
courses (e.g. physiology, gross anatomy) and preview for 2nd year pathology
• Encourage use of glass slides?– Scavenger hunts– Examinations include glass slides– FUTURE: checklist/passport on glass slides
Future
Acknowledgements
• Collaborators– Dr. Janet Smith, Neurobiology & Anatomy, DUCOM– Dr. Judy Churchill, Neurobiology & Anatomy, DUCOM– Dr. Arnold Smolen, Technology in Medical Education, DUCOM
• Support– Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Drexel– Drexel Professional Enrichment and Growth Award, 2007-2008
• Additional assistance – Drexel Co-op students: Derek Rosensweig, Matt Snyder, Saad
Masood– The folks at MBF Bioscience, especially Doug Hoppes