Promoting rapid learning in the histology laboratory by integrating technology

Abstract

A challenging aspect for students in histology courses is to locate specific morphological structures found on glass slides using light microscopes. One-on-one instructor demonstrations can be time consuming in laboratory classes with high student enrollment. Here, I tested the teaching impact of (a) verbal instruction by the faculty combined with high-resolution video imaging (HRVI) versus (b) written descriptions alone. Questions included: which type of student (one with a one-semester histology course background or little-to-no background) would be able to find specific histological structures more rapidly, regardless of teaching method used (HRVI versus written descriptions)? and would students be able to find specific histological structures more rapidly using HRVI versus written descriptions? The results showed that students with a one-semester histology course background were able to locate more quickly specific histological structures than students who had little-to-no background. Students could locate more quickly specific histological structures using the HRVI method. This was the case regardless of their previous histological background. The data demonstrate that the use a compound light microscope connected with HRVI for instruction enhances student learning in histology courses.