HistoWeb provides interactive learning material for first year medical students studying histology. This redesigned laboratory section of an Anatomy course was introduced about a year ago. The material was available to guide the students through selected tissues of the human body, as seen through a microscope. The new format has facilitated faculty-assisted instruction and provided a unique opportunity for independent study. HistoWeb can be used for lab demonstrations in lectures. During the preparation of the instructional material, hundreds of tissue section images were collected using a high-resolution digital video camera attached to a microscope. The images were incorporated into an interactive digital laboratory guide, using Web-based authoring software. The main components of the course material consist of a database of images from the student’s slide sets, with accompanying descriptions of identified components. A novel feature of this material was the use of image mapping techniques that allowed labeling and identification of cell and tissue components. Interactive options also included self-testing section quizzes, and the ability to search the entire material.

The course material was made available to students in the laboratory setting via Internet connection, as well as for self-paced study in either a computer lab or dial-up connection from the university server. The development of this teaching material has resulted from input and collaboration with students who have taken this course during the past three years. While tailored to suit the requirements of our particular program of study, its design is flexible enough to be modified for alternative text and graphic material. It is also used for review purposes and small group learning.

The development of this teaching material has resulted from input and collaboration with students who have taken this Medical Histology course during the past four years. A survey was conducted this year to evaluate the effectiveness of this type of instructional technology. The convenience and versatility of web-based resources will be presented.

Barry G. Timms, PhD
Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences,
University of South Dakota, School of Medicine,
414 East Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 605-677-5144
Fax: 605-677-6381
Email: btimms@usd.edu
Website: http://www.usd.edu/~btimms/web521/labguide.htm