Comparing the Efficacy of Virtual and Conventional Methods in Teaching Practical Pathology to Medical Students

Old educational methods are gradually replaced by multimedia since 1990s (1). Today, most educational systems are applying advanced technology to meet the demands of students and academic faculties. Several studies show that a combination of traditional and electronic teaching methods can improve learning outcomes (2). The inclination to apply electronic learning tools in medical schools is also increasing. The pathology course to study diseases is one of the most significant subjects taught at medical universities (2). It is extremely important for medical students to learn pathology concepts to conduct assessments, making diagnoses, and providing therapy (4). Besides theoretical education, medical students should pass practical courses at laboratories. Different devices and facilities such as microscopes and microscopic slides, lecturers, and scheduling are required to work at laboratories (1,2). Recently, modern information technologies, as an integral part of medical technology, are implemented by health professionals in a bid to provide faster, more reliable, and comprehensive data collection (5,6). Medical electronic learning uses information technology for educational activities. Electronic learning introduces a powerful teaching device for deeper and more efficient learning as well as distance learning (7).