Project Background

Dr. Daniel Burkhoff and Dr. Marc Dickstein, Associate Professors at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, partnered with CCNMTL on the development of a Java-based online heart simulator. This tool serves as a model of a mathematically-based science simulation and is the first of many body system simulators. It is being used to augment class presentations and provide exercises and experiments for first-year medical students to try independently online. In addition, advanced students and researchers can use the tool to design and run their own experiments.

Challenges

• Design a tool that could be used to augment lecture, as a study tool in a large first-year medical course, and as a research tool.
• Maintain the accuracy of the mathematical modeling while allowing live control of parameters.
• Provide immediate feedback to users as they answer exercise questions.
• Distribute it online with no requirements necessary beyond the basic Web browser.

Outcomes

• A pilot usage of the application in a summer undergraduate program of 100 students received rave reviews from student participants and faculty, and good suggestions for improvements. The improvements were implemented into the fall version currently being used in the first-year medical and dental course, Science Basic to the Practice of Medicine and Dentistry.

For more information on this project, please contact ccnmtl@columbia.edu.