Richard Rathe, MD / Lynn Romrell, PhD / Linda Lanier, MD / Kyle Rarey, PhD / Tom Hollinger, PhD / Copyright 1995 by the University of Florida
A firm understanding of normal human structure is essential to the practice of medicine and the other health professions. Much of this content is covered early in medical school, often during the first semester. At the University of Florida we have combined Gross Anatomy, Microscopic Anatomy, Embryology, Cell Biology, Radiologic Anatomy, and Physical Diagnosis into a unified "Normal Human Structure" block. Students are required to cover more material in less time than ever before. They must also assimilate a huge volume of visual and spatial information for which traditional media have been less than adequate. To overcome these deficiencies we have developed interactive instructional programs for gross, microscopic and radiologic anatomy.
Our approach to software development has been direct and pragmatic--concentrating on student efficiency and effectiveness. The programs share a simple user interface and support multiple learning styles. Common design elements include:
Future software development will focus on the use of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), network delivery of courseware, and CD-ROM production. We are also experimenting with heart sound simulations. (217K)
Over the past three years our facility has produced more than twelve thousand teaching images. These were captured from a variety of sources including 35mm slides, radiographs, video equipped microscopes, and direct videography. The image archive currently contains the following:
We currently use a laserdisc as our archival and delivery media because until recently, this was the most cost effective technology available. We are currently converting the entire collection to a completely digital format.
This program is in its fifth year of use and has been well accepted by students and faculty. Having rapid access to images of every important histologic structure has allowed our students to efficiently preview before laboratory sessions. The program also contains a 1500 question quiz bank that is popular for review before exams. A demonstration is available.
In its third year of use, this program allows students to review several hundred anatomic structures as they appear in all major imaging modalities. Students navigate by structure, image, or organ system. A visual quiz bank allows students to test their knowledge at any time.
This program has recently been converted to a CD-ROM format for both Macintosh and Windows computers. All the features of the laserdisc program have been maintained including full motion fluoroscopy. (713K)
A demonstration is available.
A complete guide to dissection is at the core of this, our newest program. Students are able to read about and see each step they need to perform. Unlike the actual cadaver, the program can be rewound to any point in the dissection for review. Students may also use the extensive practical exam module to gain confidence with what they have learned.
Students are encouraged to use the program in the laboratory as they do their dissections. The companion paperback "Manual of Human Dissection" is used as a required text for the course.
This program has recently been converted to a CD-ROM format for both Macintosh and Windows computers. A demonstration is available.
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