Virtual Microscopy and Electronic Learning in Medical Parasitology

Introduction:The COVID-۱۹ pandemic affected the education system globally. Distance electroniclearning replaced face-to-face classes in many universities. the demand for better access to educationalcontent, diverse learning experiences and lifelong learning tools in universities is increasing. SimulationBased Education is an educational method used to replace real experience with simulated experienceswhich provides a safe and effective learning. Simulators are easily accessible and provide close toreality learning experiences for students. One type of simulators are virtual microscopes. The virtualmicroscope provides a simple yet advanced tool for teaching diagnostic skills outside the laboratory.The most important advantage is to promote teamwork, feedback and academic performance. In thisreview we will discuss different experiences with virtual microscopy in medical parasitology teachingand learning.Search Method:Our search was conducted based on the BEME ۴ guide using the keywords "eparasitology","Simulation-based education", "virtual microscopy “in English languages in databasesMEDLINE, Educational Resource Information Center, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, Campbell,Eric, AMEE Guides, BEME Guides. related experiences in sites and faculties of medical sciences weresearched. After a complete search, related articles were extracted. Then, qualified experiences wereselected and used in this section.Results:The effectiveness of virtual microscopy (VM) in improving clinical performance and students'grades has been shown in previous studies. it provides opportunities for student practice and providesbetter diagnostic skills. The best advantage is promoting team work and feedback. virtual microscopeis more attractive to students and professors with having all the features of a traditional microscope,plus efficiency and easier accessibility. A study showed using virtual microscopy in teaching andlearning of parasites that require expertise, such as the malaria was more effective in the context ofweb-based virtual microscopy. virtual microscopy is the preferred method for studying imagescompared to light microscopy and increased student cooperation and was less time consuming. Alsostudents who used this tool showed better performance in their final exam and expressed their desire tocontinue using blended learning. Blended learning consisting of online education with the use of a webbasedvirtual microscope is better in attracting students' participation and satisfaction.Conclusion:Results show that learning occurs using virtual microscopy almost equally as in using lightmicroscopy. it is observed that even students who have prior experience in networking benefit fromvirtual labs. Such training would be translated in better laboratory diagnostic skills and thus treatmentfor the patient.

کلیدواژه ها:

e-parasitology ، Simulation-based education ، virtual microscopy