Summary
A major practical advantage of the HOME (highly optimized microscope environment) computerized microscope is the facility for relocating cells or other microscopic objects. Features can be marked directly on the microscope image using a mouse‐driven cursor, and an interactive finder can then be used to relocate the marked features. Tests on a prototype HOME microscope have shown that positions can be relocated with an accuracy of standard deviation (SD) < 7 μm. The marked features could also be relocated on a second HOME microscope, although with somewhat reduced accuracy (standard deviations of < 17 μm). The system provides a very user‐friendly environment for tasks requiring relocation of microscopic objects.
Aim-To evaluate the use of multimedia enhancements, using a computerised microscope, in the training of microscope skills. Methods-The HOME microscope provides facilities to highlight features of interest in conjunction with either text display or aural presentation. A pilot study was carried out with 10 individuals, eight of whom were at diVerent stages of pathology training. A tutorial was implemented employing sound or text, and each individual tested each version. Both the subjective impressions of users and objective measurement of their patterns of use were recorded. Results-Although both versions improved learning, users took longer to work through the aural than the text version; 90% of users preferred the text only version, including all eight individuals involved in pathology training. Conclusions-Pathologists appear to prefer visual rather than aural input when using teaching systems such as the HOME microscope and sound does not give added value to the training experience. (J Clin Pathol 1998;51:330-333)
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