USE OF DIGITAL RESOURCES FROM HEALTH EDUCATION ASSETS LIBRARY  FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WEB-BASED NEUROSCIENCE INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS

Kathryn Lovell* and Geraud Plantegenest, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 U.S.A.

Purpose

Neuroanatomy and neuropathology are taught at various points in the medical school curriculum. Self-instructional neuropathology units were previously developed to serve as resources for Year 2 students taking the Neuroscience System course, but  these include limited numbers and types of images.  The purpose of this innovation was to utilize resources available through Health Education Assets Library (HEAL) to develop an expanded set of web-based materials to assist medical students at multiple levels with learning and applying neuroscience concepts.

Methods

Images, animations, and movies (patient abnormalities or demonstration of neurological exam elements) that optimally illustrate basic or clinical concepts have been identified through HEAL.  These visual resources were selected to serve as part of primary instructional material, case history elements, or explanations to students during practice cases or quizzes.

Results

A website template was developed with the capability of online utilization or download to a hard drive or CD.  Feedback from students was used to make modifications in features, including display of images and annotations, interactivity, and format for feedback.  Students have indicated the importance of multiple opportunities to practice problem-solving in localization of lesions and neurological diagnosis, concepts which are often difficult.  

Conclusion