Abstract:

A virtual microscope provides substantial advantages for histology lessons, revolutionizing the way students learn about tissue structure and function. Firstly, it enhances accessibility, allowing students to examine digital slides from anywhere with an internet connection. This overcomes the limitations associated with physical lab spaces, resources, and time constraints in the laboratory. This tool supports a flexible learning environment where students can study at their own pace, revisiting and reviewing slides as needed to reinforce understanding and retention.

In our innovative education project, we created a virtual microscope on the website: www.histoaps.uv.es. This microscope allows detailed examination and interaction with specimens, including zooming and reading annotations about structures and cells marked in the histologic samples. Furthermore, each slide provides an explanation of the tissue type, staining technique, and any relevant information. This detailed context helps students understand not only what they are looking at but also the methodologies behind the preparations of these slides. These capabilities enable detailed exploration and interactive learning, helping students to identify and differentiate between various tissue types and structures effectively. A digital scale bar is also included on each slide, calibrated to the magnification level.

The virtual microscope also offers advanced features such as a scheme, or even length and area measurements of elements present in the histologic sample. This functionality allows students to conduct quantitative analyses, which are essential for a deeper understanding of histological structures and their functions. Additionally, we are implementing a virtual slicing function to interconnect the two-dimensional view with the three-dimensional origin of the biologic specimens. This is very important in the learning process of histology, since we realized that it is not easy for students to mentally imagine the transition from 2 dimensions to 3 dimensions and vice versa. Students can perform virtual dissections of 3D models, exploring layers and structures without the hindrance of physical specimens. This is particularly important in understanding the complex architecture of organs and how different tissue types interact within a three-dimensional space.

The integration of the virtual microscope in the learning process of the histology students supports interactive and engaging learning experiences, promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry. It is a source of integrated educational resources that aid comprehension and active learning, freely accessible not only to students but also to anyone with scientific interest.

Keywords:

Microscope, histology, virtual.