An Innovative Approach to Teaching and Learning: The Unfolding Benefits of an Electronic Lab Manual

In an effort to facilitate the teaching and learning of medical histology to undergraduate medical students, the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, in conjunction with the Institute of Simulation and Training, designed and developed an interactive computer-based laboratory manual. In a recent research study, students indicated that the manual facilitated their learning by reinforcing and clarifying classroom sessions, by allowing for self-monitoring, and by supporting individualized and group interactive learning. Other benefits include the possibility of using the manual in other disciplines as an innovative approach to allow students to interact with each other and the content.

Learning Objectives:
*Describe features of the electronic lab manual that benefit student learning
*Discuss improvements or additional features needed for broad-based disciplinary use
*Determine future use of the computer-based interactive manual