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Teaching and testing didactic material in integrated histology courses using virtual imaging
Author(s) -
Heidger Paul M.,
Swailes Nathan T.
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.516.18
Subject(s) - histology , virtual microscopy , test (biology) , computer science , multimedia , medical education , virtual laboratory , medical physics , medicine , pathology , biology , paleontology
We have employed virtual slides (VS) as the principal mode of our histology laboratory teaching and testing programs for over a decade. Most recently, we have integrated virtual images from the Iowa Virtual Slide Box of Histology (VSB) within our lecture presentations and examinations, as well. Medical and Dental Histology are delivered within integrated Histology‐Physiology and Histology‐Anatomy courses, respectively. Lecturers frequently incorporate VS within their lectures as dynamic correlates of structure and function. Students then engage directly in flexible, online laboratory study using the VSB. The use of VS in all aspects of a student's studies is ultimately reflected in computer‐delivered examinations. In both courses, lecture examinations consist of securely banked multiple choice questions designed to test mastery of integrated structure‐function concepts, many of which are linked to digitized images from the VSB. Continuous exposure to and use of the VSB, culminating in the use of digital images in examinations, promotes student engagement with Histology and encourages effective integration with other subjects. This also allows lecturers to generate more creative interdisciplinary questions that better serve integrated learning. Acceptance of such image‐linked testing by students has been high, and correlative learning of laboratory and lecture material encouraged.