Interactive Atlas of Histology: A Tool for Self-Directed Learning, Practice, and Self-Assessment

Abstract

The development and use of an online interactive atlas of histology for chiropractic students helped to improve lab exams scores. In addition, students were satisfied with the features and usefulness of this atlas.

Conventional Microscopy vs. Computer Imagery in Chiropractic Education

“…This is especially helpful for self-testing and review prior to an exam compared to the difficulty in traditional microscope labs with less access to the materials. 2,19 The next most favorable aspect was the clarification offered using computer imagery by the accompanying text and captions associated with each image (weighted average. 4.08, question 20).…”

“…It also allows them to work and learn at their own pace, time, and place allowing for more self-directed learning. 2,20 Other favorable aspects included that students felt the computer images were easier to view and understand (weighted average 4.02, question 3). The interactive case studies and incorporated images also received high marks from the students, both in presenting clinical correlation of course material (weighted average 3.98, question25) and in their clear and organized manner of presentation (weighted average 3.92 question 26).…”

“…Although educational institutions may chose not to completely replace microscopes, the advantages of care education must be considered. 1,2 Do students perceive that they can learn as well or better from a computer as compared to traditional microscopes and tissue slides in a physiopathology laboratory? The main problem in physiopathology courses is the increasing difficulty in obtaining human tissue pathology slides from medical supply companies.…”

“…3 Recently, as technology now permits, other health care schools including medical and chiropractic have decided to utilize computer digital images in their courses involving microscopy. 2,[3][4][5][6][7] Our institution decided to incorporate computer digital images into the laboratory of our physiopathology course. The first step in this endeavor was to investigate available options for computerized imagery including software programs and internet websites, as well as to establish a computer laboratory.…”

An evaluation of outcomes following the replacement of traditional histology laboratories with self‐study modules

“…While these two studies are conceptually similar to this study, there is a key difference: the laboratory manuals in these examples were used to enhance scheduled laboratory time, whereas the objective described in this study was to replace laboratory sessions. Several studies have also reported positive impacts related to using self-study modules as preparatory material for laboratory and lecture sessions (e.g., Patel et al, 2006;Goubran and Vinjamury, 2007;O'Byrne et al, 2008;Khalil et al, 2010), but again the modules were designed to improve, not replace, in-person sessions. Rosenberg et al (2006) described an approach similar to this study in that they developed an electronic tutorial for first year dental students that covered both laboratory and lecture content.…”