Developing Simple Virtual Microscopic slides in developing Countries: Impact and attitudes of Medical students

Abstract

Most of the problems predominant in developing countries today have long been solved in developed nations. The challenges of the use of glass slides in the teaching and learning has been well noted, but is even further compounded in Nigeria by large class sizes. The adoption of virtual microscopy in most Nigerian medical schools have been constrained by funding gaps and this creates additional problem attaining the learning objectives of Laboratory exposures. In an attempt to meet the learning goals of our undergraduate students, we designed simple low technology‐driven version of a virtual microscope and compared the impact on learning with the conventional microscopy presently in use. Review of the perceptions and grades of 265 students of the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria show a significant preference for virtual slides and grades were also significantly increased even among visually impaired students. The time and cost implications of both teaching and conducting examinations were also reduced by over 500%. The results re‐emphasize the need for design and adoption of simple sustainable technological innovations in developing countries to bridge gaps in purposeful learning environments.