Web pages: an effective method of providing CAI resource material in histology

Abstract

Increased student numbers and the recognition that computer skills are essential for medical students led to the introduction of computer-aided instruction (CAI) resource material as an integral part of the second-year histology course at the University of Natal (South Africa) Medical School. Several copies of a commercial software package (compact disc–CD) covering the entire course were available. During the course of the year, using the physical and human resources available, the first in-house software package ('The Integumentary System') was generated in MS Word and saved as a series of linked html documents. The package could be accessed simultaneously by all students via the local area network (LAN). As part of an extensive evaluation of the introduction of CAI in histology, student comments and criticisms of the commercial and in-house package were canvassed. The response regarding the in-house software was encouraging, with students perceiving that it met their educational needs, preferring it to the commercial package. This report describes the ease with which this software can be developed, using limited resources and available skills, while providing students with valuable learning opportunities.