NOVEL WEBCT LEARNING MODULE THAT COMBINES HISTOLOGY EXERCISES WITH RADIOLOGICAL CORRELATIONS AND VIRTUAL MICROSCOPY 

Ancuta M. Stefan*, Cristian Stefan, Clayton Wood, Armando Fraire, and Douglas Fellows, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, U.S.A.

Purpose

To help medical students better realize the functional and clinical significance of the material studied in histology and increase their early exposure to radiological imaging. 

Methods

The module is designed in an interactive format and consists of questions based on histological and radiological images and problem solving exercises. Some applications correlate principles of clinical examination with anatomical, histological, and radiological features associated with specific conditions. Virtual microscopy slides could also be accessed through the module.  The project is currently evaluated by the first year students and other groups (second and third year students). 

Results

Students used the new module for self-directed study in the second block of the Histology course in conjunction with in-class learning activities.  The module was accessed 514 times (an average of five visits per student).  The interactive exercises were the most accessed component during each visit.  The virtual microscopy slides were in general accessed less than the exercises and also less than the snapshot images for the same organ. However, the incorporation of virtual microscopy in this module encouraged the students to look at the entire slide as opposed to the tendency of viewing and memorizing a limited number of snapshots of a certain tissue or organ.  Other advantages of the module included stimulating the students’ ability to observe, interpret, and correlate data.

Conclusions

This pilot project promotes student’s active learning, adds more clinical relevance to basic sciences, and strengthens the role of radiology education in the preclinical years.  Project’s evaluation results are pending.