109 - Development of a web-based electron microscopic atlas with serial magnification: a pilot study

Poster Board Number: 109
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Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Chi-Chuan Yeh - Departments of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Wei-Hao Peng - School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; June-Horng Lue - Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University; Ming-Fong Chang - Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University

Abstract Body : Introduction & Objective:

Histology, or microscopic anatomy, is an essential medical subject to learn the structures of cells, tissues and organs via light microscopic (LM) and electron microscopic (EM) images. Due to recent decrease in histology teaching hours, the contents were mainly focused on LM images and EM images were limited taught. For LM learning, many virtual microscopy platforms were established for students to observe digital slides via web-based platforms without time or space limitation. In contrast, there were few web-based platforms for students to learn EM images, despite the necessity of understanding EM images in medical science. Further, EM images in current books or online are mostly shown at high magnifications with few low-magnification EM images and LM images of semi-thin sections which is a necessary step before preparing ultra-thin sections for transmission electron microscopy. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop the Web-based Electron Microscopic Atlas of Histology (NTUCM-WEMAH) with serial magnificantion and corresponding LM images of semi-thin sections for medical students to learn histology comprehensively.

Materials and Methods:

The collected LM and EM images were edited via PowerPoint, then converted to JEPG images. The edited contents were uploaded to a sharable content object reference model (SCORM)-compliant learning management platform. After NTUCM-WEMAH was preliminarily established, five histology teachers were invited to examine its feasibility by fulfilling the 5-point-Likert-scale questionnaires.

Results:

The results of questionnaires showed that teachers were satisfied with the experience using NTUCM-WEMAH and agreed that its user interface and layout were capable of capturing students' attention. Besides, they thought the content on NTUCM-WEMAH was appropriate to boost students' confidence in recognizing histological EM images. Further, they agreed that the images on NTUCM-WEMAH, presented in the sequence of LM images of semi-thin sections, low-magnification and then high-magnification of EM images, can help students to learn histology.

Conclusion:

The arrangement of NTUCM-WEMAH, sequentially from LM to EM images, may be suitable for students’ self-learning on histological EM knowledge and its implementation could be a feasible way to assist students in learning histology more comprehensively.

Significance/Implication:

The structured and sequential approach of NTUCM-WEMAH may highlight its potential benefits for self-learning and suggest its feasibility as a supplementary educational tool within a histology class for a more comprehensive learning experience.

Funding Sources:

This project is supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology (Grant number: MOST 110-2511-H-002-020-MY3).