POSTER
Rejuvenating an Immunology Course Overview: Moving from Linear Videotape to Online Nonlinear Navigation and Animation
Helen Macfarlane, MA and Elnor Kinsella, PhD University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA
ABSTRACT:
Second year medical students in Dr. John Cohen's Immunology class at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center are required, within the first week of class, to watch a video overview of immunology. This overview provides identification of the key elements in immunology, which Dr Cohen refers to throughout the course as he explains critical processes and interactions. Recently, Dr. Cohen expressed a need to update the video he produced in 1989 and to add various new components, including electron microscopy slides. He also expressed a desire to include interactive animations and nonlinear navigation of the material, so that students can utilize portions pertinent to weekly lectures. This poster contains a comparison between the linear video overview and the nonlinear interactive rejuvenated version.
Audio and visual explanation allows students with different learning styles and preferences to use the program more efficiently. Interactive capability added to the nonlinear version supplements the students understanding. Availability on both CD-ROM and Denison Librarys streaming video/audio web site allows easy access for students from home at their convenience rather than trying to gain access to the few copies of the older video available in the library. This delivery also allows for changes in content with greater ease, enabling frequent updates to keep pace with growing knowledge in the field of immunology.
The overview segment presents a simplified view of the functioning of the immune system. The structures represented are then simplified and presented as symbols that are in turn used in specific explanations at cellular and molecular levels. These symbols have consistent color and shape for ease of recognition in both the overview and the micro-views. A medical illustrator is retained on staff to communicate fully with Dr. Cohen to ensure accurate subject representation while controlling the costs of production through efficient use of appropriate technology. A small team consisting of designers including educational technologists and visualization experts assists Dr. Cohen and the medical illustrator in planning added interactivity.
Using new technology, specifically interactive Flash animation with streaming audio and video, a new immunology overview has been created. This nonlinear interactive program will allow students to replay portions as needed at will, enabling more convenient learning and review. Since Dr. Cohen refers to this overview throughout his course, students must return to the overview often. This task is achieved with ease in a nonlinear program and situating the piece on the web provides opportunity to add future components as they evolve.
BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:
Participants will be able to explore firsthand the resulting product that updates an existing educational tool. The individual can compare the original video to the new interactive program and explore the differences in various forms of media. What benefits did the learner gain, by the instructor?
Helen Macfarlane, MA
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center 4200 East Ninth Avenue, Box A003
Denver, Colorado 80262-0003
Phone: 303.315.1654
Fax: 303.315.0294
Email: helen.macfarlane@uchsc.edu
CO-AUTHORS:
Elnor Kinsella, PhD
John Cohen, MD, PhD
Carol Kamin, EdD
Elnor Kinsella, PhD
UCHSC
4200 E. 9th Ave., Box A003
Denver, CO 80262-0003
John Cohen, MD PhD
UCHSC
4200 E. 9th Ave., Box B184
Denver, CO 80262-0003
Carol Kamin, EdD
Children's Hospital, Box A036
1056 E. 19th Ave.
Denver, CO 80128
Phone: 303.315.5667
303.315.8898
303.283.0511
Fax: 303.315.0294 c/o Helen Macfarlane
Email: elnor.kinsella@uchsc.edu
john.cohen@uchsc.edu
carol.kamin@tchden.org