Transfer of learning in histology: Insights from a longitudinal study.

All anatomical educators hope that students apply past training to both similar and new tasks. This two-group longitudinal study investigated the development of such transfer of learning in a histology course. After 0, 10, and 20 sessions of the 10-week-long course, medical students completed theoretical tasks, examined histological slides trained in the course (retention task), and unfamiliar histological slides (transfer task). The results showed that students in the histology group gradually outperformed the control group in all tasks, especially in the second half of the course, η2 = 0.268 (p < 0.001). The best predictor of final transfer performance was students' retention performance after 10 sessions, ß = 0.32 (p = 0.028), and theoretical knowledge after 20 sessions, ß = 0.46 (p = 0.003). Results of eye tracking methodology further revealed that the histology group engaged in greater "visual activity" when solving transfer tasks, as indicated by an increase in the total fixation count, η2 = 0.103 (p = 0.014). This longitudinal study provides evidence that medical students can use what they learn in histology courses to solve unfamiliar problems but cautions that positive transfer effects develop relatively late in the course. Thus, course time and the complex relationship between theory, retention, and transfer holds critical implications for anatomical curricula seeking to foster the transfer of learning.

Scale to measure medical, nursing and midwifery students' engagement in an e-learning histology course / Escala para medir la participación de estudiantes de medicina, enfermería y obstetricia en un curso de histología e-learning

SUMMARY: E-learning courses become increasingly important and relevant in medicine and health sciences over the last decade. However, there are few teaching experiences of e-learning histology courses published in the literature worldwide. Moreover, most of these studies focus on the didactic aspects of the course without exploring student participation. The study presented below aimed to validate a scale to measure student participation in an e-learning histology course. We provide evidence of validity of the instrument based on its internal structure for use with medical, nursing, and midwifery students. The participants in this study were a group of 426 Chilean medical, nursing and midwifery students from a public university who completed the questionnaire in two consecutive semesters (2020-2021). Data from the first group of students were used to perform an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), while data from the second group of participants were used to perform a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The three factors identified according to the CFA were: "Habits of online," "Motivation for online learning," and "Interaction of online". After eliminating one of the initial items of the instrument, the scale showed acceptable psychometric properties suggesting that it is a useful instrument to measure students' perception of their participation in e-learning histology courses. The factors identified through the validation of the instrument provide relevant information for teachers and curriculum developers to create and implement different ways of encouraging student participation in e- learning histology courses to support online learning.

Los cursos e-learning han tomado mayor importancia y relevancia durante la ultima década en carreras de medicina y ciencias de la salud. No obstante, existen escasas experiencias docentes de cursos de histologia e-learning publicadas en la literatura mundial. Además, la mayoría de estos estudios se centran en los aspectos didácticos del curso sin explorar la participación de los estudiantes. El estudio que presentamos a continuación tuvo por objetivo validar una escala para medir la participación de los estudiantes en un curso de histología e-learning. Aportamos evidencia de validez del instrumento basada en su estructura interna para su uso con estudiantes de medicina, enfermería y obstetricia. Los participantes de este estudio fueron un grupo de 426 estudiantes chilenos de medicina, enfermería y obstetricia de una universidad pública quienes completaron el cuestionario en dos semestres consecutivos (año 2020-2021). Los datos del primer grupo de estudiantes se utilizaron para realizar un análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE), mientras que los datos del segundo grupo de participantes se utilizaron para realizar un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC). Los tres factores identificados según el AFC fueron: "Hábitos de los estudiantes en línea", "Motivación por el aprendizaje en línea", "Interacción de los estudiantes en línea". Luego de la eliminación de uno de los ítems iniciales del instrumento, la escala mostró propiedades psicométricas aceptables sugiriendo que es un instrumento útil para medir la percepción de los estudiantes sobre su participación en cursos de histología en formato e-learning. Los factores identificados mediante la validación del instrumento entregan información relevante para que los profesores y curriculistas desarrollen e implementen diferentes formas de estimular la participación de los estudiantes en cursos de histología e- learning y así apoyar el aprendizaje en formato online.

Perceptions of medical students towards the role of histology and embryology during curricular review.

BACKGROUND: The continuous changes in the medical education to prepare medical doctors for the future requires updates in medical curriculum. However, the perspectives of the medical students are not frequently considered during the revision of the medical curriculum. In parallel with the process of defining and adjusting the medical curriculum, a large survey was performed to inquire the perspectives of the medical students at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Portugal, about the role of Histology and of Embryology. METHODS: Medical students at FMUP (Portugal) completed a structured and anonymous online questionnaire about the subjects Histology and Embryology. The questionnaire was prepared using questions of previous surveys performed in Europe, including another Portuguese medical school, and additional questions that were specifically prepared to this study. The questions referred to teaching methods, clinical relevance, use of virtual (digital) microscopes and association of Histology and Embryology with other subjects of the medical curriculum. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-two students participated in the study. The students in clinical years were more likely to recognise the clinical relevance of Histology (p = 0.016) and Embryology (p < 0.001). Students agree that teaching of these subjects would benefit from a clinical orientation (89% for Histology; 90% for Embryology). Students highlighted that Histology is crucial to understand Biopathology and agree (75%) that an integration of Histology with Biopathology could be considered in the medical curriculum. Most students (55%) agree that slide microscopes are more useful than virtual microscopes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study contributes to the debate about the evolution of medical curriculum. Gathering the medical students' perceptions using large surveys such as that performed in the present study may be useful to adapt the methods of teaching which may increase the motivation of the students. In the case of Histology and Embryology at the FMUP (Portugal) providing more clinically oriented teaching may be useful to motivate the students. Students of clinical years have strong clinical perspectives of Histology and Embryology and their enrolment in teaching of Histology and Embryology can also contribute to increase motivation of younger students. Consulting and involving medical students in the development of the medical curriculum can be positive and students should be more responsible and engaged in building their own education.

Integration of virtual microscopy podcasts in the histology discipline in osteopathic medical school: Learning outcomes.

Virtual microscopy podcasts (VMPs) are narrative recordings of digital histology images. This study evaluated the outcomes of integrating the VMPs into teaching histology to osteopathic medical students. The hypothesis was that incorporating virtual microscopy podcasts as supplementary histology resources to the curriculum would have a positive impact on student performance and satisfaction. Sixty-one podcasts of dynamic microscopic images were created using screen recordings of the digital slides. The VMPs were integrated as supplementary histology resources in multiple courses during the first and second years of the medical curriculum for three classes, a total of 477 osteopathic medical students. A voluntary and anonymous survey was obtained from the students using a questionnaire that included two open-ended questions. The overall performance of the three classes on the histology content of the preclinical course examinations was compared to historical controls of the previous two classes that did not have access to the VMPs. Most students indicated that the podcasts enabled more efficient study time and improved their confidence in the histology content on examinations. The findings indicated a positive association between podcast viewing and efficient study time utilization and class performance. The class average scores of the three consecutive cohorts that used the VMPs progressively increased by 7.69%, 14.88%, and 14.91% compared to the controls. A summary of students' feedback and academic performance supported that integration of the VMPs into Histology teaching improved the learning experience. The findings align with previous studies on the effectiveness of multimedia-based teaching in histology laboratory modules.

Videoconferencias para residentes de Histología en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Sancti Spíritus / Videoconferences to Histology residents at the Sancti Spíritus University of Medical Sciences

Fundamento: No se conoce cómo aceptan los residentes de Histología la inclusión de un sistema de videoconferencias sobre la estructura microscópica del cuerpo humano en su estrategia de autoaprendizaje. Objetivo: Explorar en profundidad la experiencia de los residentes de Histología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Sancti Spíritus que utilizaron un sistema de videoconferencias para su formación profesional. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo en el que se realizó una entrevista a profundidad con los especialistas y residentes de Histología que han utilizado el sistema de videoconferencias en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Sancti Spíritus. Se transcribieron las entrevistas, se codificaron y se seleccionaron los principales temas abordados. Resultados: Se entrevistaron 5 usuarios del sistema de videoconferencias; de la entrevista surgieron 5 temas: 1) Como los residentes insertan las videoconferencias en su estrategia de autoaprendizaje, 2) Preferencia de las videoconferencias sobre los libros de texto, 3) Aciertos y desaciertos de las videoconferencias, 4) ¿Qué aportan las videoconferencias a la formación del residente, ventajas y desventajas? y 5) Sugerencias para mejorar las videoconferencias. Conclusiones: Un sistema de videoconferencias sobre la estructura microscópica del cuerpo humano puede ocupar un papel protagónico en la estrategia de aprendizaje de residentes de Histología. La preferencia que muestran los residentes por las videoconferencias sobre otros medios didácticos puede estar asociada a la capacidad de la multimedia para disminuir la carga cognitiva y facilitar el aprendizaje cuando se siguen los principios de Mayer al elaborar estos medios. La presencia de imágenes digitales en estas videoconferencias fue clave para su aceptación.

Background: It is not known how Histology residents accept the inclusion of a videoconferencing system on the microscopic structure of the human body in their self-learning strategy. Objective: To explore to depth the experience of Histology residents at the Sancti Spíritus University of Medical Sciences who used a videoconferencing system for their professional training. Methodology: Qualitative study with in-depth interview was conducted with Histology specialists and residents who have used the videoconferencing system at the Sancti Spíritus University of Medical Sciences. The interviews were transcribed, coded and the main topics addressed were selected. Results: 5 users of the videoconferencing system were interviewed; 5 themes emerged from the interview: 1) How residents insert videoconferences into their self-learning strategy, 2) Preference for videoconferences over textbooks, 3) Successes and failures of videoconferences, 4) What do videoconferences contribute to the training of the resident, advantages and disadvantages?, 5) Suggestions to improve videoconferences. Conclusions: A videoconferencing system on the microscopic structure of the human body can play a leading role in the learning strategy of Histology residents. The preference shown by residents for videoconferencing over other teaching media may be associated with the ability of multimedia to reduce cognitive load and facilitate learning when Mayer's principles are followed to developing these media. The presence of digital images in these videoconferences was essential to their acceptance.

Superación pedagógica de los profesores de Histología en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas / Pedagogical upgrading of the Histology professors in the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas

La enseñanza de las ciencias básicas en las universidades médicas constituye una prioridad para la formación del profesional de la salud, porque ofrece los fundamentos teóricos que propician la comprensión de la morfofisiología del organismo humano, sus interdependencias y sus relaciones con el medio en que nace, crece, se desarrolla y muere. En tal sentido, se deriva la necesidad de mantener la superación de los docentes para el perfeccionamiento de la dirección del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje desde los primeros años de la carrera de medicina y en esta investigación, en particular, en el uso del dibujo de imágenes microscópicas para la enseñanza de estos conocimientos en la disciplina Bases Biológicas de la Medicina. El objetivo del artículo fue caracterizar la superación pedagógica de los profesores de Histología en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de artículos que abordaban esta temática, así como de documentos normativos para la formación de los docentes en esta área pedagógica. Se identificaron tres momentos que caracterizaban la trayectoria de la superación pedagógica de los profesores de las ciencias biomédicas; en particular, el papel del dibujo de imágenes microscópicas como medio de enseñanza en ese proceso. Se consideró que no se dedicaba tiempo en los programas a su desarrollo, por lo que se deriva la necesidad de la superación profesoral y el perfeccionamiento de la didáctica de esta disciplina(AU)

The teaching of basic sciences in medical universities is a priority for the training of health professionals, because it provides the theoretical foundations that promote the understanding of the morphophysiology of the human organism, its interdependencies and its relationship with the environment in which it is born, grows, develops and dies. In this respect, it is necessary to maintain the upgrading of professors in view of improving the guidance of the teaching-learning process from the first academic years of the medical major and, particularly in this research, through the use of drawn microscopic images for the teaching of this knowledge in the discipline Biological Basis of Medicine. The objective of the article was to characterize the pedagogical upgrading of Histology professors at the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas. A bibliographic review of articles dealing with this topic was carried out, as well as of normative documents for the training of professors in this pedagogical area. Three moments were identified that characterized the pathway of the pedagogical upgrading of biomedical sciences professors, particularly the role of drawn microscopic images as a teaching aid in this process. The programs were not considered to devote any time to its development, thus the need appearing for the upgrading of professors and the improvement of the didactics of this discipline(AU)

Evaluation of the usage of YouTube videos about Histology and Embryology as an educational material.

The use of YouTube videos for educational purposes has been increasingly popular. The quality and accuracy of the information level of these videos should be checked by expert trainers. This study aims to evaluate the content, quality and functionality of YouTube videos on Histology and Embryology and to measure their educational usefulness. In the study, searches were performed using the keywords "Histology" and "Embryology" in the YouTube search tab. Quality and content were evaluated using the Video Power Index (VPI), modified DISCERN scale, JAMA and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Videos were categorized by educational usefulness. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. A statistically significant high correlation was observed between modified DISCERN scores and JAMA scores (r = 0.757, p < 0.001) and between modified DISCERN scores and GQS scores (r = 0.743, p < 0.001). A statistically significant high correlation was also determined between JAMA and GQS scores (r = 0.632, p < 0.001). GQS scores were weakly, negatively and significantly correlated with the number of comments (r = -0.302, p < 0.05) and dislikes (r = -0.325, p < 0.05). Based on GQS, the useful and non-useful videos differed significantly in terms of views, likes, dislikes, comments counts and days since upload (p < 0.05). Modified DISCERN and JAMA scores also differed significantly between the useful and non-useful videos (p < 0.001). Educational videos published for Histology and Embryology education on the internet will be more beneficial if they are prepared by expert educators from reliable information sources, by the current literature, and by scoring systems such as DISCERN, JAMA and GQS.

Interactive online practical histology using the poll everywhere audience response system: an experience during the COVID-19 lockdown / Histología práctica interactiva en línea usando poll everywhere audience response system: una experiencia durante el confinamiento de COVID-19

SUMMARY: The shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on the need for innovative approaches to medical education, making it more interactive and effective. Histology is a challenging subject because it is known to be image intensive. In this study, we compared two methods of online teaching of practical histology: an interactive method using the Poll Everywhere Audience Response System and a traditional method without the use of Poll Everywhere. We performed a randomized controlled crossover trial. One hundred and forty students were divided into two groups. The first group was taught using the interactive method and the second group was taught using the traditional method. Each group was then taught using the other method for a second subject. Students' performance and preferences were assessed using tests and questionnaires. The examination scores were significantly higher for Poll Everywhere group. All students' responses were overwhelmingly in favor of the use of Poll Everywhere, with regard to their engagement, enjoyment, and morphology understanding, in addition to the applicability of the interactive approach. Interactive sessions of practical histology using applications such as Poll Everywhere can be an effective way to increase students' engagement, enjoyment, and knowledge retention during distance learning.

RESUMEN: El cambio al aprendizaje en línea debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 determinó la necesidad de enfoques innovadores para lograr que este método de educación médica sea más interactivo y efectivo. La histología es un tema desafiante debido a que se considera intensivo en imágenes. En este estudio, comparamos dos métodos de enseñanza en línea, en clases de laboratorio de histología: un método interactivo con el uso de Poll Everywhere Audience Response System y un método tradicional sin el uso de Poll Everywhere. Realizamos un ensayo cruzado (crossover) controlado aleatorio. Se dividieron cientocuarenta estudiantes en clases de laboratorio de histología en línea interactivas o tradicionales. Luego, a cada grupo se le asignó el segundo método para un segundo tema. El rendimiento y las preferencias de los estudiantes se evaluaron mediante pruebas y cuestionarios. Los puntajes de las pruebas fueron significativamente más altos para los grupos de Poll Everywhere, y las respuestas de los estudiantes fueron a favor de usar Poll Everywhere en lo que respecta a su participación, agrado y comprensión de la morfología como también del enfoque interactivo. Las clases de laboratorio de histología interactivas que utilizan aplicaciones como Poll Everywhere pueden ser una forma eficaz de impulsar la interacción de los estudiantes durante el aprendizaje a distancia.

Diseño y fabricación de modelos impresos en 3D como complemento para las clases prácticas de histología médica / Design and manufacturing of 3D printed models as a complement for medical histology practical classes

RESUMEN: Tradicionalmente, la Histología se ha apoyado del análisis de preparaciones histológicas a través del microscopio para su enseñanza. En este sentido, uno de los principales obstáculos que enfrentan los estudiantes al analizar los tejidos, es extrapolar una imagen bidimensional a una estructura tridimensional (3D). La impresión 3D permite subsanar esta limitación, haciendo posible fabricar material docente, con las características requeridas con un alto grado de detalle y bajo costo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar y fabricar modelos impresos en 3D como complemento para las clases prácticas de Histología Médica. Se fabricaron modelos impresos en 3D de la ultraestructura de la barrera de filtración glomerular (BFG) en su estado normal y síndrome nefrótico. Además, se fabricó un modelo de la capa muscular del esófago humano dando énfasis a la disposición helicoidal de sus fibras musculares. Los modelos de epidermis permitieron identificar sus distintos estratos: estrato córneo, estrato granuloso, estrato espinoso, y estrato basal. Dentro los beneficios derivados de la impresión de modelos en 3D podemos destacar el bajo costo económico de su fabricación, alta reproducibilidad, bioseguridad, y potencial para favorecer el aprendizaje y la enseñanza de la Histología. No obstante, es necesario analizar la percepción y beneficio sobre el aprendizaje de los estudiantes derivados de la aplicación de los modelos mediante técnicas de evaluación cuantitativas y cualitativas.

SUMMARY: Traditionally, Histology has relied on the analysis of histological slides through the microscope for its teaching. In this sense, one of the main obstacles faced by students when analyzing tissues is to extrapolate a two-dimensional image to a three-dimensional (3D) structure. 3D printing makes it possible to overcome this limitation, making it possible to manufacture teaching material with the required characteristics with a high degree of detail and low cost. The objective of this work was to design and manufacture 3D printed models as a complement for the practical classes of Medical Histology. 3D printed models of the ultrastructure of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) in its normal state and nephrotic syndrome were fabricated. In addition, a model of the muscular layer of the human esophagus was fabricated emphasizing the helical arrangement of its muscle fibers. The epidermis models allowed the identification of its different layers: stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. Among the benefits derived from 3D printing of models, we can highlight the low economic cost of manufacturing, biosafety and potential to favor the learning and teaching of Histology. However, it is necessary to analyze the perception and benefit on student learning derived from the application of the models by means of quantitative and qualitative evaluation techniques.

The usefulness of histopathology examples in teaching practical histology for medical students: A CONSORT-compliant randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Teaching histology as an image-intensive discipline is a major challenge to medical teachers. We compared knowledge retention and student preference after performing comparison-based and traditional methods of teaching practical histology. METHODS: We performed a crossover randomized controlled trial. Eighty nine first-year and 37 second-year medical students were randomly assigned to comparison-based or traditional classes in which PowerPoint slides were used. Each teaching approach was then switched to another group for a second tissue set. Quantitative assessment was performed using multiple-choice questions and a questionnaire. RESULTS: The first-year students' overall examination scores were significantly higher in the comparison-based approach compared to the traditional approach for both tissue sets, with a large effect size. Interestingly, even for the second-year students, a significantly higher overall score for one set of tissue samples was observed in the comparison-based approach compared to the traditional approach. The students' responses to all the elements in the questionnaire were significantly in favor of the comparison-based approach. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the simple implementation of a few histopathology examples can yield a tremendous improvement in first-year medical students' understanding, enjoyment, and engagement in practical histology classes.

Implementación de un modelo de aula invertida para el autoaprendizaje de la ingeniería tisular en el grado de Farmacia / Implementation of a flipped learning classroom model for self-learning of tissue engineering in the Pharmacy degree

Introducción: El presente trabajo describe y evalúa la implementación de un modelo de aula invertida en la materia de Histología para el aprendizaje de ingeniería tisular en el grado de Farmacia con el objetivo de incorporar dichos conocimientos ante su escasa presencia en dicho grado. Sujetos y métodos: El modelo consiste en intercalar en el curso ordinario de Histología del grado de Farmacia un módulo de autoaprendizaje inverso. Participan 110 alumnos que responden a un cuestionario sobre ámbitos conceptuales, procedimentales y actitudinales al comienzo y al final del proceso. Los resultados se analizan estadísticamente. Resultados: Los resultados muestran valores superiores en la evaluación final con respecto a la evaluación inicial. Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) tanto en mujeres y hombres como en el total de estudiantes. Los valores obtenidos fueron decrecientes desde el componente actitudinal hasta el componente conceptual. En el componente procedimental, se obtienen valores intermedios. Conclusión: Los valores más elevados observados en los componentes actitudinal y procedimental, tras la implementación del modelo propuesto, ponen de relieve la necesidad de incrementar el componente conceptual en la formación de la ingeniería tisular en el currículo de farmacia.(AU)

Introduction: This paper describes and evaluates the implementation of a flipped learning model in the discipline of histology for learning tissue engineering contents in the Pharmacy degree, with the aim of incorporating this knowledge for the scarce presence of such matter in that degree. Subjects and methods: The model consists of inserting in the ordinary course of Histology of the pharmacy degree an inverse self-learning module. A questionnaire on conceptual, procedural and attitudinal fields was answered by the 110 students involved in the study at the beginning and end of the process. Results were statistically analysed. Results: The results after the implementation of the flipped learning model show statistically significant higher values (p < 0.05) in the final evaluation both in female and male and in all the students with decreasing values from those reached for the attitudinal component to those reached by the conceptual component. In the procedural component, intermediate values are obtained. Conclusion: The highest values observed in the attitudinal and procedural components, after the implementation of the proposed model, highlight the need to increase the conceptual component in the formation of tissue engineering in the pharmacy curriculum.(AU)

Opinión del alumnado sobre el uso de WhatsApp en el aprendizaje de la histología durante COVID-19 / Students' views about using WhatsApp for learning histology during COVID-19

RESUMEN: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha provocado importantes retos para el sistema de enseñanza superior. Las medidas adoptadas para prevenir la transmisión comunitaria han desplazado la enseñanza presencial frente a la virtual. Las nuevas prácticas de enseñanza y aprendizaje adoptadas han planteado la necesidad de reforzar la dimensión social del aprendizaje. En este contexto, hemos implementado el uso de WhatsApp para interactuar y compartir contenidos académicos en un pequeño grupo de estudiantes de un curso de Histología. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la percepción de los estudiantes sobre la eficacia de esta red social para facilitar la comunicación y compartir información educativa, su utilidad en el aprendizaje y su capacidad para modificar la dimensión afectiva durante el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Los resultados mostraron que los estudiantes tenían una actitud positiva hacia el uso de WhatsApp en el entorno de aprendizaje, de modo que facilitó la comunicación y la cohesión del grupo, favoreció el aprendizaje y redujo la ansiedad ante la evaluación. Así, las redes sociales deberían integrarse en el proceso de aprendizaje teniendo en cuenta las características del alumnado.

SUMMARY: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant challenges for the higher education system. The adopted measures to prevent community transmission have shifted face-to-face teaching to virtual education. The new adopted teaching and learning practices have raised the need for reinforcing the social dimension of learning. In this context, we have implemented the use of WhatsApp to interact and sharing academic contents in a small group of students in a Histology course. The aim of this study was to evaluate the students' perceptions about the effectiveness of this social network in facilitating communication and sharing educational information, its usefulness in learning, and its ability to modify the affective dimension during the teaching- learning process. The results showed that students had a positive attitude towards the use of WhatsApp in the learning environment, so that it facilitated communication and group cohesion, favored learning and reduced anxiety in the face of evaluation. Thus, social networks must be integrated in learning process considering students' characteristics.

Virtual Microscopy as a Learning Tool in Brazilian Medical Education.

Virtual microscopy (VM) is a widely used teaching method in Medical Education in many developed countries. In Brazil, however, this is not the case for most medical schools, considering Brazilian social inequality and uneven access to technology. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic has also challenged Universities to seek and make a transition toward more effective methods of full-time online education. Thus, the main goal of this work was to verify student's perception and academic performance, assessed upon VM implementation in a Brazilian Medical School. Ribeirao Preto Medical School students answered a 26-question survey with regards to optical microscopy (OM) and VM. Academic performance was compared between participants that were (year of 2019) or were not (year of 2015) exposed to VM. Taken the results together, subjective impressions such as handling, suitability, learning effectiveness, and pleasure using the tools, have shown a higher score for virtual microscopy (median = 29), when compared to optical microscopy (median = 24) with a P-value < 0.001 by Wilcoxon rank test, upon measurement using an ordinal scale. Regarding academic performance, no statistically significant differences were found between groups (P-value = 0.38, Cohen's d = 0.19). Therefore, VM proved to be adequate to the Brazilian medical education in light of Brazilian social contexts and Covid-19 pandemic.

Histology for the visually impaired: a study applying models at universities in spain and Brazil / Histología para discapacitados visuales: un estudio aplicando modelos en universidades de españa y Brasil

SUMMARY: This study aimed to develop models that reproduce histological slide images and evaluate them with blind and sighted students from an inclusion perspective. A questionnaire with questions about the ideal characteristics of a model was answered by visually impaired (VI) students. Based on the responses and optical microscopy images from histological atlases, nine models were constructed with standardized materials. The models were tested at different times with VI students and with students who see. Our results indicate that morphology teaching, according to the students themselves, should make use of extra resources, such as models. The ideal characteristics for model efficiency as a teaching tool were representative textures and reliefs. The models built were evaluated by blind students in Spain and sighted students in Brazil because, from an inclusive perspective, it is ideal that the same material can meet the demands of all types of students. The use of the developed models enhanced learning in both groups, even when combined with microscopes for sighted students. According to student opinions, the use of relief models can represent an important pedagogical strategy used to teach morphological. The importance of developing that materials was also highlighted from an inclusion perspective, as these materials can be used in mixed classes, all students together, in cooperative learning. This study aids morphological subject teachers who teach visually impaired students to know where to start on the path to an inclusive and pedagogically coherent learning process.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar modelos que reproduzcan imágenes histológicas de diapositivas y las evalúen con estudiantes ciegos y videntes desde una perspectiva de inclusión. Los estudiantes no videntes respondieron un cuestionario con preguntas sobre las características ideales de un modelo. En base a las respuestas y las imágenes de microscopía óptica de los atlas histológicos, se construyeron nueve modelos con materiales estandarizados. Los modelos fueron probados en diferentes momentos con estudiantes no videntes y con estudiantes videntes. Nuestros resultados indican que en la enseñanza de la morfología, según los propios estudiantes, se debe hacer uso de recursos adicionales tal como los modelos. Las características ideales para la eficiencia del modelo como herramienta de enseñanza fueron las texturas y relieves representativos. Los modelos construidos fueron evaluados por estudiantes ciegos en España y estudiantes videntes en Brasil. Desde una perspectiva inclusiva, es ideal que un mismo material pueda satisfacer las demandas de todo tipo de estudiantes. El uso de los modelos desarrollados mejoró el aprendizaje en ambos grupos, incluso cuando se combinó con microscopios para estudiantes videntes. Según las opiniones de los estudiantes, el uso de modelos en relieve puede representar una importante estrategia pedagógica utilizada en la enseñanza de la morfología. También se destacó la importancia de desarrollar esos materiales desde una perspectiva de inclusión, ya que estos materiales pueden ser utilizados en clases mixtas, todos los estudiantes juntos, en aprendizaje cooperativo. Este estudio ayuda a los profesores de asignaturas morfológicas que enseñan a los estudiantes con discapacidad visual a conocer la vía hacia un proceso de aprendizaje inclusivo y pedagógicamente coherente.

A core syllabus for histology within the medical curriculum-The cell and basic tissues.

The International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA) are developing core syllabuses for the anatomical sciences by means of Delphi panels. In this article, we provide the core subject matter for the teaching of the cell and of basic tissues within a medical histology course. The goal is to set an international standard providing guidelines for such a core syllabus. The Delphi panel, composed of members across multiple countries, required two rounds to evaluate 257 relevant items/topics approved by the IFAA. Based on the perception of the core knowledge of histology, the items were to be rated by each member of the Delphi panel as being "Essential," "Important," "Acceptable," or "Not required." Topics that were rated by over 60% of the panelists as being "Essential" and "Important" are provided in this article and are recommended for the teaching of medical histology.

Students´ preparedness, learning habits and the greatest difficulties in studying Histology in the digital era: A comparison between students of general and dental schools.

INTRODUCTION: There are only sporadic references in literature regarding general medicine and dentistry student´s preparedness for Histology, study resources and how students might use them in the era of virtual microscopy. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate students´ opinion, with 192 students of general medicine and 82 students of dentistry responding. RESULTS: The dentistry students evaluate their previous knowledge of basic high school disciplines as less helpful when compared to their general medicine colleagues, but this difference diminishes during the first year of medical school studies. Students of dentistry display a better orientation in the amount of study resources (electronic vs printed) and also the ways of their use (practical vs theoretical preparation). The main problems surfacing in the study of Histology have been: the lack of time due to the high demands of Anatomy, problems with correct identification of structures in specimens and correct orientation in a large number of available study resources. Students indicate that they would appreciate the introduction of interactive exercise tests to verify practical and theoretical knowledge. CONCLUSION: We revealed significant differences between students of general medicine and dentistry in terms of student´s preparedness and learning habits. According to our findings, it is still necessary to further develop teaching methods utilising virtual microscopy, taking into account the needs of both general medicine and dental school students.

From Scope to Screen: The Evolution of Histology Education.

Histology, the branch of anatomy also known as microscopic anatomy, is the study of the structure and function of the body's tissues. To gain an understanding of the tissues of the body is to learn the foundational underpinnings of anatomy and achieve a deeper, more intimate insight into how the body is constructed, functions, and undergoes pathological change. Histology, therefore, is an integral element of basic science education within today's medical curricula. Its development as a discipline is inextricably linked to the evolution of the technology that allows us to visualize it. This chapter takes us on the journey through the past, present, and future of histology and its education; from technologies grounded in ancient understanding and control of the properties of light, to the ingenuity of crafting glass lenses that led to the construction of the first microscopes; traversing the second revolution in histology through the development of modern histological techniques and methods of digital and virtual microscopy, which allows learners to visualize histology anywhere, at any time; to the future of histology that allows flexible self-directed learning through social media, live-streaming, and virtual reality as a result of the powerful smart technologies we all carry around in our pockets. But, is our continuous pursuit of technological advancement projecting us towards a dystopian world where machines with artificial intelligence learn how to read histological slides and diagnose the diseases in the very humans that built them?