Evaluating the effectiveness of an online interactive histology resource

Journal Contribution ResearchOnline@JCU
Trollope, A.;Domett, K.;Woolley, T.;Gavan, A.
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Histology is a challenging subject for most students and especially first-year students. The James Cook University (JCU) Anatomy department developed an interactive, adaptive learning histology resource with embedded interactive videos and quizzes for first-year Biomedicine students accessible with any “smart” device. The histology resource was evaluated for flexibility, accessibility, effectiveness in engaging students, and perceptions of how the resource assisted student learning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The histology resource was produced for first-year JCU Biomedicine students using Articulate 360 and embedded into the online student learning platform “LearnJCU”. Individual chapters were created with slides showing tissues from a range of organs. Key areas in the tissue and cells were linked to a table of contents allowing students to navigate the histology resource for self-directed learning. End-of-semester data on the number of students who engaged with the different chapters and average time spent interacting with chapters were collected via LearnJCU, while student surveys were distributed in class and online. RESULTS: Of the 28 students who participated in the survey (response rate3 7%),93% agreed the histology resource assisted with their learning, 96% agreed the histology resource was at an appropriate level, and 93% agreed he histology resource was engaging. Student engagement with the different chapters ranged from 17–37% of the cohort, while individual time spent interacting with the histology resource ranged from 19–31 minutes. CONCLUSION: The online histology resource successfully engaged students, with the vast majority agreeing the resource was at an appropriate level, assisted with their learning, and was engaging.

Journal

Clinical Anatomy

Publication Name

N/A

Volume

34

ISBN/ISSN

1098-2353

Edition

N/A

Issue

8

Pages Count

1

Location

N/A

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Publisher Url

N/A

Publisher Location

N/A

Publish Date

N/A

Url

N/A

Date

N/A

EISSN

N/A

DOI

N/A