Advances in Physiology Education, Vol 256, Issue 6 18-S20, Copyright © 1989 by American Physiological Society
Can technology replace live preparations in student laboratories?
H. I. Modell
Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle.
We have seen a trend in recent years toward reduction or elimination of
student laboratories in many physiology curricula. Some departments have
sought "alternatives" to live preparations in an attempt to retain an
active learning experience for students. However, it seems as if few
departments have seriously examined the specific educational objectives of
their student laboratories to determine whether alternatives exist that
will allow these objectives to be met. Technology certainly offers a
variety of ways to provide active learning experiences. In some instances,
technological approaches can be used to address the same educational
objectives as traditional laboratories, while in others these objectives
may be partially met by use of technology. However, it is important to
recognize that some educational objectives can only be achieved through
first-hand experience with live preparations.
