Bridging the gap in medical education: comparing analysis of light microscopy and virtual microscopy in histology

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of virtual microscopy (VM) and light microscopy (LM) on the satisfaction of second-year medical students and how they affect student performance in different educational settings. The research involved 94 second-year students from Izmir Democracy University’s School of Medicine, with criteria requiring enrollment in the 2021–2022 academic year and attendance of at least 80% in histology practical course. A paired two-tailed t-test was used for comparison, with a researcher-designed questionnaire for data collection. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.894 for the LM questionnaire, and 0.918 for the VM questionnaire, indicating high level of reliability. LM scored higher in the questionnaire (p = 0.010), but VM showed higher exam averages (p = 0.013). The study found VM more effective in exams, with students showing high satisfaction with LM. VM’s accessibility to histological preparations and its impact on learning levels and board exam success rates were noted. The study concludes that while VM is becoming essential in histology education due to its positive impact on exam performance and accessibility, LM remains highly valued by students for its hands-on experience and satisfaction levels.