Anshoo Agarwal
Northern Border University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Title: Learning pathology in a digital world with digitization of education: From glass slides to digital files and thereafter
Biography
Biography: Anshoo Agarwal
Abstract
Education and training in pathology remain essential to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in pathology. Traditionally, education and training in pathology has been delivered using textbooks, glass slides and conventional microscopy but increasingly web-based resources have been developed to supplement or replace the more traditional methodologies. From an educational stance, the use of virtual slides ensures that all students see the same slide; that slide is the best and most representatives in the collection, rather than one of inferior quality and that poor microscope technique does not interfere with the learning experience. It also allows rare slides to be used without fear of breakage. Displaying the slide on a computer screen means that students can more easily discuss the content with each other, allowing for the use of group-work based approaches to teaching. This pedagogy was more difficult to pursue when students assessed a glass slide on their individual microscopes. Digital pathology has been shown to improve individual and group learning and enhance the overall learning experience. Digital pathology also has the benefit of delivering courses to students outside the classroom setting. On-line resources can be accessed by students anytime, anyplace allowing them to view slides that would have traditionally been restricted to the slide box and the classroom. The use of digital imaging for surgical pathology raises new safety and effectiveness issues that must be addressed. We recognize the many benefits the technology provides at the same time we need to be sure of its limitations to prevent the associated risk.