Demonstration with Equipment
Histology Image Review A Complete Illustrated Course in Basic Histology on CD-ROM
Frank J. Wilson, Ph.D., A.M Grimwade**, J.A. Gibney*, S.G. Matta+ and M.G. Kestenbaum++. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Abstract:
We previously reported the development of an interactive computer program entitled Histology VideoReview and designed for our course in Cell Biology and Histology. The program on the Apple Macintosh computer (System 7 and HyperCard 2.1 required) was linked to images on the Slice of Life videodisc (University of Utah). Although the endeavor has been widely accepted by our students, it relies on dated technology requiring expensive hardware which cannot be easily transported. These deficiencies would be alleviated with software on CD-ROM. The goal of this paper is to describe some of the features of our new program entitled Histology ImageReview. Images from our microscope slide collection, electron micrographs and illustrations were placed onto Photo-CDs by Kodak. The images were organized into cohesive chapters and modified using Adobe Photoshop. Descriptions of each image appear on a monitor screen along with the image itself, and the students are able to interact with the image to obtain higher magnifications and more information. Clinical correlations allow comparison of normal structure with that altered by pathology. A mechanism for self-assessment is also provided through interactive visual quizzes with learning responses.
Included in the program are over 1400 images arranged in twenty chapters beginning with an introduction to histology and concluding with the organs of special sense. The images are arranged from lowest magnification to progressively more highly magnified images, just as if the students were using a microscope and were able to change objectives to achieve higher magnifications. Users are told the type of image (light microscope or electron microscope image), its magnification and the tissue stain. In addition to routine hematoxylin and eosin stained tissues, a variety of other stained sections were used: PAS, iron hematoxylin, alcian blue, toluidine blue, Giemsa, Mallory and Masson trichromes, to name a few.
Often there are supplemental images within the text. These images are related to the image on the screen either as a more highly magnified view of the same subject or as a structure similar to the primary image. The user can simply click on either an icon or the Figure number highlighted in blue to view the supplemental micrograph. Clicking on a blue colored sentence returns to the primary image for the figure.
A feature unique to our program is the ability of the user to hear the English pronunciation of certain words or phrases which are highlighted by blue text and a speaker icon. Clicking on either the blue text or the speaker icon activates the voice. There are approximately 500 of these words or phrases. The History button at the top of the screen allows the user to examine a running list of images that have been viewed. One can click on any item in the list to return to that image. Other buttons permit return to a chapter or subsection, advance to the next image or go back to the previous image. The program also contains a method for searching for words or phrases. Clicking on the Search button calls up a screenwhich asks for the word or phrase. Activating the search results in a list of occurrences with the word or phrase highlighted in reverse text (white text on a black background).
Our medical and physician assistant students were able to use the program for the first time this year, and their comments about it were highly laudatory. They thought that it was a highly efficient way to learn and review the concepts in histology. They also appreciated its portability and its affordability. They were able to install the program on their home computers and did not have to fight for use of limited numbers of machines on campus. Through the efforts of Appleton & Lange the price of the published program is competitive with that of atlases and other CD-ROM programs. In summary, we believe that the program will augment any modern course in basic tissue and organ histology. We have tried to compile a fairly complete and easy to use program that covers much of histology. The program enables students to work their way through the information quickly maximizing the time spent on the subject.
Benefit in Attending Session:
Our presentation exemplifies what computer-assistted instruction should be. It offers a portable and affordable way of mastering the concepts and images of the subject. We have over 1400 images organized in self-directed tutorial format.
Frank J. Wilson, Ph.D. Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854-5635 (732) 235-4071 Fax Number: (732) 235-4029 fjgwilson@aol.com Name Co-Author(s): 1. Alexander M. Grimwade, Ph.D. 2. Jean A. Gibney 3. Shannon G. Matta, Ph.D. 4. Matthew G. Kestenbaum, M.D. 1. The Scientist, Philadelphia, PA 19104 2. Dept of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854-5635 3. Dept of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee, Memphis Medical Center, Memphis, TN 38163 4. Dept of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20007 Telephone Number(s): 1. (215) 386-9601 ext. 3020 2. (732) 235-5087 3. (901) 448-2874 Fax Number(s): 1. (215) 387-7542 2. (732) 235-4029