A Resource Server for Medical Training

Abstract

Summary Objectives: We have developed a RESOURCE SERVER to collect and store various elements used by a professor during his lecture. Methods: The server manages four types of objects: ELEMENTS, RESOURCES (set of elements referring to a given topic), INDEXES (to organize the resources for further search and use), and USERS (to identify providers, users, and access rights). If an ELEMENT s modified, the RESOURCE is automatically updated. Results: An example (preparation of an anatomy lecture) explains how the RESOURCE SERVER works in three steps: organization of the training material, indexing, and retrieval. Conclusions: The RESOURCE SERVER will help instructors develop, update and share pedagogic resources for supporting their training courses, lessons and conferences. Moreover, these techniques, based on Internet technologies for easy handling of and access to these resources, allow local and distant access. Within the general framework of the French-speaking Virtual Medical University, the RESOURCE SERVER will represent an important link between data collection and its use in intelligent pedagogic training.