Abstracts
Abstract
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.
Keywords:
- virtual microscope,
- web-based microscope,
- health science education,
- learning experience
Résumé
Les microscopes virtuels sont des programmes informatiques ou web qui permettent aux utilisateurs de visualiser des diapositives numériques et d'imiter l'expérience de l'utilisation d'un vrai microscope optique. Les microscopes optiques traditionnels ont toujours été un outil d'enseignement essentiel dans l'enseignement des sciences de la santé pour observer et apprendre les structures cellulaires et tissulaires. Cependant, des études comparant les microscopes virtuels et optiques dans l'éducation ont rapporté la satisfaction des apprenants à l'égard des microscopes virtuels en ce qui concerne leur convivialité, leur qualité d'image, leur efficacité et leur disponibilité. Bien que l'utilisation de la microscopie virtuelle ou web augmente, il n'y a pas de diminution équivalente du nombre d'écoles utilisant des microscopes traditionnels. Nous avons effectué un examen de la portée pour étudier l'impact comparatif des microscopes conventionnels et virtuels sur différents aspects de l'apprentissage. Nous rapportons un effet relatif de la microscopie virtuelle et optique sur la performance des étudiants, la conservation des connaissances à long terme, et la satisfaction. Nos résultats montrent que la microscopie virtuelle est supérieure aux microscopes traditionnels en tant qu'outil d'enseignement dans le domaine de l'enseignement des sciences de la santé. D'autres études sont nécessaires sur différentes composantes d'apprentissage pour guider la meilleure utilisation de la microscopie virtuelle comme seul outil d'enseignement pour l'éducation en matière de soins de santé.
Mots-clés :
- microscope virtuel,
- microscope basé sur le web,
- enseignement des sciences de la santé,
- expérience d’apprentissage
Appendices
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