title: Web-based virtual microscopy at the RWTH Aachen University: didactic concept, methods and analysis of acceptance by the students.
abstract: Fundamental knowledge of microscopic anatomy and pathology has always been an essential part in medical education. The traditional didactic concept comprises theoretical and practical lessons using a light microscope and glass slides. High-speed Internet connections and technical improvement in whole-slide digital microscopy (commonly termed "virtual microscopy") provide a new and attractive approach for both teachers and students. High picture quality and unlimited temporal and spatial availability of histology samples from different fields are key advantages of web-based digital microscopy. In this report we discuss the technical requirements, system efficiency, optical resolution and didactic concept. Furthermore, we present a review of the experience gained in the course of one year based on an analysis of student acceptance. Three groups with a total of 192 students between the 3rd and 5th year of medical studies attending the practical courses of general and advanced histopathology had access to both glass-mounted and digitalized slides. Prior to exams, students were asked to answer an anonymous questionnaire. The results of the study reflect the high acceptance and intensive use of the web-based digital histology by students, thus encouraging the development of further Web-based learning strategies for the teaching of histology and pathology.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Magdalene
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merk
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Knuechel
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perez-Bouza
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006653:Histology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D046609:Libraries, Digital; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D010336:Pathology / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014584:User-Computer Interface