Using Animations to Teach Basic Concepts in Health Care Education

Carlos A. C. Baptista and Susan W. G. Batten

Medical College of Ohio

Abstract:

Health profession education has become increasing complex. Not only is there an expanding volume of highly complex content to convey to students, but also a demand that teaching methods be learner friendly, efficient, and flexible. While exposure to difficult material cannot be shifted entirely to Web-based resources, the venue allows flexibility in time spent to absorb and understand relationships.

Professional animations for medical, nursing, and allied health students that demonstrate structured information are limited; a co-existing concern is that animations should appeal equally to the visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.

This demonstration will focus on development of human physiology and pathophysiology animations using Macromedia Flash 4, a vector program. Consideration of network resources and faculty commitment will be discussed, as well as observed student response to current productions. Examples will be relevant to a wide range of health profession education.

Benefit in Attending Session:

It will be a very practical session with examples from our courses, and demonstration of how to began using an animation program to create teaching material.

PRIMARY AUTHOR'S INFORMATION

Carlos A. C. Baptista, MD, PhD

Medical College of Ohio

Department of Pathology

Block Health Science Building

3035 Airlington Avenue

Toledo, Ohio 43614-5804

Telephone Number: (419) 383-4283

Fax Number: (419) 383-3066

E-mail Address: cbaptista@mco.edu

Web Site: http://www.mco.edu/

CO-AUTHORS' INFORMATION

Susan W. G. Batten, RN, PhD

Medical College of Ohio

School of Nursing

Howard C. Collier Building

3015 Airlington Avenue

Toledo, Ohio 43614-5803

Telephone Number(s): (419) 383-5859

Fax Number(s): (419) 383-5894

E-mail Address(es): sbatten@mco.edu

Web Site(s): http://www.mco.edu/