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Active learning: a small group histology laboratory exercise in a whole class setting utilizing virtual slides and peer education
Author(s) -
Bloodgood Robert Alan
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.516.17
Subject(s) - virtual microscopy , laptop , class (philosophy) , context (archaeology) , worksheet , computer science , multimedia , active learning (machine learning) , learning environment , virtual reality , human–computer interaction , psychology , mathematics education , medicine , artificial intelligence , pathology , paleontology , biology , operating system
Histology laboratory instruction is embracing virtual microscopy, facing reduced curricular time and being ask to focus on small group active learning. The challenge lies in developing meaningful active learning experiences that take advantage of virtual microscopy while engaging and challenging the students, maintaining the involvement of experienced medical educators and reaping the benefits of learning in a small group environment, even when the exercise is given within a large learning space. We developed an histology laboratory exercise, occurring in a Learning Studio housing the entire medical class, that utilizes virtual slides in the context of small group active learning and peer instruction. Students sit at round tables and work in groups of three. Even and odd‐numbered tables access different sets of virtual slides of lymphoid tissues and organs using laptop computers. Each group of three is given a worksheet to complete in which they identify the unique characteristics of each lymphoid tissue or organ. The 2nd part of the exercise has selected pairs of medical students present a virtual slide to the entire class (using large screens mounted around the circular room), describe the unique characteristics allowing identification and fielding questions from their classmates. The last part of the exercise involves the class being presented with unknown Virtual Slides that they identify and discuss.