Session Abstracts

An Application of Virtual Microscopy in Medical Education
Speaker: Patrice Spitalnik, MD
In many medical schools across the country, microscopes are being replaced by computer software that emulates the use of a light microscope. The software’s high quality images combined with its accessibility and ease-of-use make virtual microscopy a viable option in medical and dental courses, such as histology and pathology. However, this option is not without controversy. If microscopes are replaced in education, future clinicians will not be trained to use light microscopes. During this session, Dr. Patrice Spitalnik will discuss these issues and demonstrate the virtual microscopy solution they implemented in the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Using Portfolios to Promote Reflection in the Health Professions
Speakers: Michelle V. Hall, MA; James Fine, DDS; Laureen Zubiaurre, DMD, MS
Research suggests that the use of portfolios in professional education promotes reflection on professional development. CCNMTL and faculty partners developed an interactive pedagogical approach to self-directed lifelong learning that fosters active participation in the learning process. During this session, Ms. Michelle Hall, Dr. James Fine and Dr. Laureen Zubiaurre will describe their experiences and review the benefits and barriers of implementing portfolios in the College of Dental Medicine.

Strategies for the Uses of Simulations in Higher Education
Speakers: Ryan Kelsey, EdD; Rob Garfield; Alice Cox
Web-based simulations can be a powerful teaching and learning tool for higher education. Simulations can help students integrate multiple disciplines, develop mental models of complex systems, or grapple with multivariate problems using data models or algorithms. During this session, Dr. Ryan Kelsey, Mr. Rob Garfield, and Ms. Alice Cox will present design strategies and lessons learned from CCNMTL's most robust simulation projects, including the Millennium Village Simulation with Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, and explore the potential to enhance learning through simulations in health sciences education.

Using Video to Teach Cultural Competencies
Speakers: John Zimmerman, DDS; Dodi Meyer, MD
Video Interactions for Teaching and Learning (VITAL) is a Web-based learning environment that enables students to observe, analyze, and communicate ideas with video. VITAL exercises encourage students to spend time with course material before class, enabling more classroom time for discussion and lecture. VITAL has been used in several disciplines at Columbia University. During this session, Dr. John Zimmerman and Dr. Dodi Meyer will discuss a use-case for teaching cultural competencies using VITAL.