Conference PaperPDF Available

Learning and teaching histology: traditional and computational methods

Authors:

Abstract

The traditional methodology used in histology laboratory instruction of histology is based primarily on the use of photonic microscopes and histological slides, which did not allow the simultaneous observation by several people, prevents an interactive discussion, making the laboratory teaching-learning process less motivating and advantageous. The use of various computer-based technologies (including virtual microscopy and virtual slides), as well as video projection, using digital cameras attached to the microscope in histology laboratory instruction is an interesting alternative method to offset the disadvantages inherent to the conventional methodology. Advances in computer sciences allow us to play a considerable amount of images and transfer them to monitor students' computers, resulting in its comfortable and objective viewing, thus facilitating the recognition of tissues and structures and their histomorphometric study through computer programs. In addition), the use of platforms for distance learning (e.g. Moodle), also allows the study of histology to be undertaken outside the classroom. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of traditional methods of histological sections visualization in photonic microscope, and the use of computer resources in teaching animal histology.
ENSINO E APRENDIZAGEM DA HISTOLOGIA:
MÉTODOS TRADICIONAIS E COMPUTACIONAIS
[Learning and teaching histology: traditional and computational methods]
Fernando Capela e Silva
1,*
, Luis Miguel Rato
2
Orlando Silva Lopes
3
1
Professor Auxiliar, Departamento de Biologia e Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e
Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Universidade de Évora, Portugal. Tel: +351 266 760 881
E-mail: fcs@uevora.pt
2
Professor Auxiliar, Departamento de Informática e Centro de Investigação em
Tecnologias de Informação Universidade de Évora, Portugal. Tel +351 266 745 300;
E-mail: lmr@uevora.pt
3
Professor Auxiliar, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Évora, Portugal. Tel:
+351 266 760 881; E-mail: osl@uevora.pt
*Correspondência: Fernando Capela e Silva, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade
de Évora, Apartado 94, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal
Resumo
A metodologia tradicionalmente utilizada no ensino prático da Histologia baseia-se na
utilização de microscópios fotónicos e preparações histológicas, o que, por não permitir
a observação em simultâneo por várias pessoas, impede uma discussão interactiva,
tornando o processo ensino-aprendizagem menos motivador e produtivo. O recurso a
vídeo projecção, através de câmaras digitais acopladas ao microscópio, é uma
alternativa interessante para anular estas desvantagens. No entanto, os avanços
informáticos permitem reproduzir um volume considerável de imagens e transferi-las
para o monitor dos computadores dos alunos, traduzindo-se na sua visualização cómoda
e objectiva, facilitando, assim, o reconhecimento dos tecidos e das estruturas e o seu
estudo histomorfométrico, através de programas computacionais. Por outro lado, o
recurso a plataformas de ensino à distância (e.g. Moodle), permite ainda que o estudo da
histologia possa ser feito fora da sala de aula. Pretende-se com o presente trabalho
referir as vantagens e as desvantagens das metodologias tradicionais, de visualização de
secções histológicas no microscópio fotónico, e da utilização de meios informáticos no
ensino da histologia animal.
Palavras-chave: Histologia, ensino-aprendizagem, microscopia; computação.
Abstract
The traditional methodology used in histology laboratory instruction of histology is
based primarily on the use of photonic microscopes and histological slides, which did
not allow the simultaneous observation by several people, prevents an interactive
discussion, making the laboratory teaching-learning process less motivating and
advantageous. The use of various computer-based technologies (including virtual
microscopy and virtual slides), as well as video projection, using digital cameras
attached to the microscope in histology laboratory instruction is an interesting
alternative method to offset the disadvantages inherent to the conventional
methodology. Advances in computer sciences allow us to play a considerable amount of
images and transfer them to monitor students' computers, resulting in its comfortable
and objective viewing, thus facilitating the recognition of tissues and structures and
their histomorphometric study through computer programs. In addition), the use of
platforms for distance learning (e.g. Moodle), also allows the study of histology to be
undertaken outside the classroom. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the
advantages and disadvantages of traditional methods of histological sections
visualization in photonic microscope, and the use of computer resources in teaching
animal histology.
Key-words: Histology, learning-teaching, microscopy, computer-assisted instruction.
... The traditional method of teaching microanatomy and tissue structure relies on a limited number of light microscopes and glass slides, which does not allow simultaneous observation by multiple learners, prevents interactive in-class discussions. As per Capela et al. (2010), these limitations attenuate student motivation. Virtual microscopes enable multiple users to view the digital slides on a larger screen, promoting interactive discussion and team-based learning (Triola & Holloway, 2011). ...
Article
Full-text available
Virtual microscopes are computer or web-based programs that enable users to visualize digital slides and mimic the experience of using a real light microscope. Traditional light microscopes have always been an essential teaching tool in health science education to observe and learn cell and tissue structures. However, studies comparing virtual and real light microscopes in education reported learners’ satisfaction with virtual microscopes regarding their usability, image quality, efficiency, and availability. Although the use of virtual or web-based microscopy is increasing, there is no equivalent decrease in the number of schools utilizing traditional microscopes. We conducted a scoping review to investigate the comparative impact of conventional and virtual microscopes on different aspects of learning. We report a relative effect of virtual and light microscopy on student performance, long-term knowledge retention, and satisfaction. Our results show that virtual microscopy is superior to traditional microscopes as a teaching tool in health science education. Further studies are needed on different learning components to guide the best use of virtual microscopy as a sole teaching tool for health care education.
Article
Full-text available
Objectives: Histology, the study of tissue structure under a microscope, is one of the most essential yet least engaging topics for health professional students. Understanding tissue microanatomy is crucial for students to be able to recognize cellular structures and follow disease pathogenesis. Traditional histology teaching labs rely on light microscopes and a limited array of slides, which inhibits simultaneous observation by multiple learners, and prevents in-class discussions. We have developed an interactive web-based microscopy tool called "Histoscope" for oral histology in this context. Methods: Good quality microscope slides were selected for digital scanning. The slides were scanned with multiple layers of z-stacking, a method of taking multiple images at different focal distances. The digital images were checked for quality and were archived on Histoscope. The slides were annotated, and self-assessment questions were prepared for the website. Interactive components were programmed on the website to mimic the experience of using a real light microscope. Results: This web-based tool allows users to interact with histology slides, replicating the experience of observing and manipulating a slide under a real microscope. Through this website, learners can access a broad array of digital oral histology slides and self-assessment questions. Conclusions: Incorporation of Histoscope in a course can shift traditional teacher-centered histology learning to a collaborative and student-centered learning environment. This platform can also provide students the flexibility to study histology at their own pace.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.