HistoQuest: An Interactive
Computer Program for Teaching Human Histology
David A. Begg, Marc
Brisbourne, Susan Chin and Murray Diduck
University of Alberta, Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada T6G 2H7
Abstract:
We are developing a series of interactive computer modules to teach basic human histology to first and second year medical and dental students. Each module is designed to replace a standard histology laboratory session and presents the normal histology of a tissue or organ system such as epithelium, skeletal tissue, the respiratory system, the urinary system, etc. Modules consist of a concise introduction, a list of learning objectives, and a series of inter-related topics or categories containing histological images, diagrams, animations and text. The text presents a brief explanation of the major concepts illustrated by the image, followed by a question, or series of questions, designed to emphasize the major points the student needs to master. The questions also serve to focus the student’s study at the appropriate level of detail. Students can enlarge each image to the full screen and select between low, medium and high magnification views.
The HistoQuest teaching modules have a
number of advantages over standard laboratory sessions. Since the modules are interactive, they
require the students to work with the subject material while studying it,
thereby increasing retention. The
computer modules also allow students to progress at their own pace and to review
the material as often as necessary. They
provide clear examples of the information the students need to master and focus
the students' attention on the appropriate level of detail. The computer
modules also remove the need to learn microscopy in order to study the subject
material. The teaching programs could
also significantly reduce the cost of teaching histology and free up teaching
space and faculty teaching time. In
addition, the complete set of programs could be used by residents to review
histology, or could be incorporated into distance-learning programs.
Benefit in Attending
Session:
We are developing interactive computer
programs to replace standard histology laboratory sessions as part of
curriculum redevelopment in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the
University of Alberta. The use of these programs in a medical/dental
curriculum, their instructional and graphic design, and the lessons learned in
their development is of potential interest to others teaching in the health
sciences. Since the programs have been specifically developed for delivery via
the internet, they will be of interest to others who are designing programs for
distance education. If a platform
session presentation is not possible, we could present our work as a poster,
provided we have access to a large monitor for a Mac and an internet
connection.
PRIMARY AUTHOR'S
INFORMATION
David Begg
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7
Canada
Telephone Number: 780-492-7179
Fax Number: 780-492-0462
E-mail Address: david.begg@ualberta.ca
CO-AUTHORS'
INFORMATION
Marc Brisbourne
Susan Chin
Murray Diduck
Brisbourne and Chin
Division of Anatomy
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7
Canada
Diduck
Office of Undergraduate Medical
Education
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7
Canada
Telephone Number(s):
Brisbourne and Chin -- 780-492-7179
Diduck -- 780-407-6561
Fax Number(s):
Brisbourne and Chin -- 780-492-0462
Diduck -- 780-492-9531
E-mail Address(es):
Brisbourne: mbrisbou@med.ualberta.ca
Chin:
chinsusa@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca
Diduck:
murray.diduck@ualberta.ca