Innovative use of technologies to enhance the teaching of pathology

Abstract

Recent trainee pathologists showed a tendency to do better at identifying entities rather than the handling of cases that required a more global pathological interpretation. The examination of gross specimens and microscopy is fundamental to viewing, exploring and understanding pathological processes. Our department harnessed technological advances to improve the teaching and learning of pathology by incorporating the use of Aperio ScanScope web-based digital pathology, to provide greater access by undergraduate students to gross examination and microscopy. This digital imaging system was used for the demonstration of histology slides and images of gross specimens and to provide on-line access to students, combining it with the use of interactive multimedia, made accessible through Moodle, for the development of on-line quizzes. These case-based exercises presented students with short clinical vignettes, with visual demonstration of pertinent pathologic features linked to the Aperio system, followed by a series of questions designed to cover the important teaching points for each disease entity. At the post-graduate level, a participation forum on the Moodle platform was used to encourage on-line interactive discussion. These teaching approaches have enabled us to expand interactive learning experience beyond the classroom setting and to integrate multidisciplinary aspects in the learning of pathology.