The literature reveals ongoing debate regarding the relative effectiveness of Virtual Microscopy (VM) versus Optical Microscopy (OM) in achieving specific learning outcomes (SLOs). There remains a paucity of comprehensive, comparative research evaluating these methodologies against standardized learning outcomes in the medical undergraduate population. This instigated a comparison of VM and OM as teaching methodologies for pathology in medical education, specifically focusing on their effectiveness in achieving predetermined learning outcomes.
It is now essential to thoroughly evaluate the pedagogical effects of these changing modalities due to the growing trend towards digital learning environments, which has been brought to light by recent global challenges to traditional classroom teaching. By methodically contrasting virtual and optical microscopy for teaching pathology to undergraduate medical students, this work can close this gap. It is anticipated that understanding the superior modality-more especially, how well it achieves predefined learning outcomes-will improve the optimization of pathology instruction in modern medical education and guide evidence-based curriculum selections.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
350
Students were exposed to optical microscopy (OM); OM is the conventional method of using physical microscopes to examine microscope slides.
Students were exposed to virtual microscopy (VM); VM is a digital technology that allows students to view and analyze microscope slides through digital platforms.
Quaid-E-Azam Medical College
Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Perceptions and satisfaction
A five-point Likert scale assessed perceptions and satisfaction with the respective teaching methodology. The likert scale responses were graded as 1 for strongly disagree, 2 for disagree, 3 as neutral, 4 agree, and 5 strongly agree.
Time frame: 3 hours
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.