Teaching Research Unit
Current Projects
The Teaching Research Unit in the Department of Pathology is responsible for the development of Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) tools distributed via the World-Wide Web (WWW) and CD-ROM, as well as the integration of digital video of surgical and autopsy pathology into the medical curriculum. Our research is based on the effect of these educational innovations upon learning outcomes in medical education.
In 2000-2001, Rakesh Kumar developed 17 CAL modules in PowerPoint for independent learning by 4th Year medical students. Mark Dziegielewski has enhanced most of these modules by conversion to Authorware and, together with an updated version of module previously developed as a BSc(Med) Honours educational research project, these comprise the core of the 4th Year Medical Students' CD-ROM known as the Pathology Survival Pack.
On-line self-assessments with automated feedback are being developed using Question Mark Perception software. We now have the capability of providing engaging self-assessments for all segments of the School's courses for both Medicine and Science students, thereby offering timely feedback to students and stimulating further learning. Dr Gary Velan has been awarded a University ITET Fellowship (Innovative Teaching and Educational Technology) in Session 2, 2002, which will allow him to develop integrated on-line formative assessments in medical and social sciences for the new medical curriculum, and to disseminate information regarding on-line assessments to the wider University community.
The “Pathology Alive” project uses digital video to record the pathological examination of surgical and autopsy specimens, resulting in the acquisition of a library of high quality teaching material archived on digital videotape. As the trend towards diminishing the exposure of medical students to “real life” pathology continues, this digital library is likely to fill an important gap in students’ experiences.
Development of the “Images of Disease” CD-ROM continues, led by Drs Nick Hawkins and Mark Dziegielewski. Their work has resulted in the release of an upgraded version of this database of images of specimens from the Museum of Human Disease, together with clinical, microscopic and radiological images. This “Virtual Museum” has been distributed to all students and sold to several other Universities.
These projects should enable the Teaching Research Unit to play a leading role in the development of the new medical curriculum.
Staff
Dr Gary Velan, Senior Lecturer in Pathology
Dr Mark Dziegielewski, Lecturer in Pathology
Professor Rakesh K. Kumar, Professor of Pathology
Dr Bryn Atmore, Associate Lecturer in Pathology
Topics for Student Research
With the exponential growth in the popularity of personal computers and access to the Internet, the Department of Pathology is well placed to utilise our extensive Images of Disease database to create on-line learning modules. These include interactive clinicopathological case protocols and self-assessment quizzes with rapid feedback. This presents an opportunity for students interested in developing such learning tools.
Publications
Kumar RK,
Velan GM,
Dziegielewski M. Interactive multimedia without programming: computer-assisted learning modules in PowerPoint(R).
Focus Health Prof. Educ. 2001; 3 (3):57-9.
Velan GM,
Kumar RK. Effectiveness of on-line formative assessments as well as criterion-referenced and project-based summative assessments. Presentation to the Fourth National Teaching Forum on Assessment in Higher Education, Canberra, December 6th, 2000.
Velan GM,
Kumar RK,
Dziegielewski M, Wakefield D. Web-based assessments in pathology with QuestionMark Perception.
Pathology 2002; 34:282-284.
Velan GM,
Dziegielewski M, Killen MT,
Kumar RK. Development and evaluation of a computer-assisted learning module on glomerulonephritis for medical students.
Medical Teacher 2002; 412-416.