Abstract:

Over the years, the teaching of histology has been based in the observation of tissue samples through microscopes. This can result limiting, mostly in terms of understanding, for the students. Histology, also called microscopic anatomy, is the scientific study of the microscopic structures of organs and tissues [1]. Students in/of biological areas need to learn about histology to gain an understanding of the organism in normal conditions as well as in the presence of pathologies.

Recent advances in technology have significantly transformed the educational landscape, enhancing access to information and enabling personalized learning. Technologies like Interactive tools, such as extended reality (XR) and educational games, offer engaging learning experiences, providing the students with a more immersive learning experience.

In this paper, a learning environment tool called HistoLab is described; such tool uses XR and gamification elements for teaching histology, focusing on topics related to the epithelium cells. This tool allows the students to interact in real time with digital and manipulable elements that are complex and difficult to imagine. To achieve this, HistoLab counts with floating panels with basic information and pop-ups with some important diagrams. Some of these diagrams show a 3D manipulable model that allows the student to better imagine the concept. The tool also provides real histologic images that the user can manipulate and bring closer to observe with more detail. At the end of each module, HistoLab presents a short quiz to evaluate the comprehension. The quiz’s questions are presented in different formats, including true-false, multiple choice, relation, question with images, etc., and each quiz is different for all the students. HistoLab has a points system, and each interaction in the tool is rewarded with points that lead to rewards. In this way, the tool encourages users to explore the application in order to unlock new experiences.

The tool, currently in the testing phase, is being evaluated by students in biological disciplines, such as those from medical universities. This testing phase is critical for understanding its efficacy and impact in specialized fields.

Keywords:

Histology, Education, Extended Reality, Learning Environment, Biology, Teaching.