UMMS

Curriculum: Technology

Ahead of the curve

LRC Technology is integral to the educational mission of the University of Michigan Medical School. Students, faculty and staff all take advantage of the communication and learning tools our technology team develops. Recognizing that each person has a unique learning style, we constantly poll people to find out what is working and what can be improved.

The Learning Resource Center is the hub of all technological efforts on the Medical School campus. It operates two computer clusters with more than 130 PC and Macintosh computers. These clusters are open on a 24/7 basis for medical students and provide users with a variety of office, educational and multimedia programs; high-speed black and white laser printers; and several color printing options. Wireless network connectivity is available in most classrooms and educational spaces in the Medical School. Consultants are available to help students with basic computer needs and questions.

Here are some of the most popular technical tools available to students:

Flextime Quizzes
Our students love the web-based, on-line testing system where they have the flexibility to take their quizzes within a specified time frame (usually a weekend). This freedom allows them to plan their study schedules around what works for them. Students also find that the regular quizzes reinforce what they are learning on an ongoing basis and allow them to manage their studies more efficiently.

Web Portal
Our web-based portal allows for personalized student access to educational resources and information. Students use the portal to conveniently access their course schedule, course-related materials, announcements, and view and submit assignments. Faculty and staff organize and distribute many of the informational and resource components of the curriculum through the portal as well.

Streaming Lecture Videos
Nearly every first- and second-year lecture is video recorded and made available to students via a streaming video system. This system allows students to review lectures at their own pace, and as often as they like whenever they like. Students love the flexibility of the streaming lecture option, especially with the enhanced ability to speed up to two times or slow down by half the video while playing.

Dr. iPod
For students who prefer more mobile learning options, we are piloting a program for the delivery of lecture recordings (video/audio and audio only) in formats that can be downloaded and played on a variety of handheld devices (e.g., iPods, PDAs, etc.) as well as desktop and laptop computers. Files are available in mp3 and mp4 formats for ultimate portability.
View a sample Dr. iPod screen.

Anatomy Website
Designated as an Apple Computer Educational Success Story, the Anatomy web site, developed by Dr. Thomas Gest, is a comprehensive resource for students to use as a reference tool in their gross anatomy courses. Content includes anatomy sessions, links to QuickTime VR movies, tables and cases, learning games like "Anatomy Jeopardy," as well as cadaver medical histories and surgical videos.

Professional Skill Builder (PSB)
Professional Skill Builder is an interactive program developed by faculty, staff and students at Michigan that features web-based clinical cases designed to help students critically think and make decisions like a doctor, as well as provide access to cases and materials missed or not available in clinical experiences. Instructions for using the Professional Skill Builder.

Digital Microscopy
Beginning in Fall 2006, standard microscopes will be replaced with digital microscopy. This system will use high-resolution digital images and laptop computers to teach histology and pathology. Faculty and students will be able to annotate images to enhance the educational process. Students will be able to review images from web-based image banks to provide the maximum opportunity for study and review outside the lab.

Clinical Simulation Center
CSC Through the Clinical Simulation Center, third- and fourth-year students perform simulated procedural skills within risk-free, hands-oneducational programs that feature state-of-the-art training equipment. This method very effectively teaches clinical and decision-making skills utilizing realistic patient care scenarios because students receive immediate feedback through a computerized interface. Students are able to learn about a patient's condition while managing how to treat it without causing harm to a real person.

One example of fascinating simulation equipment available through the Clinical Simulation Center is SimMAN, a lifesize intubatable mannequin that features an anatomically correct bronchial tree and realistic heart and breath sounds. Students can practice what to do when a patient presents with airway complications, how to administer drugs and IV fluids, and how to monitor a patient's status.