Meta-analysis and review of learner performance and preference: virtual versus optical microscopy

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Pathology
• Histotechnology

Background:

• Virtual microscopy (VM) has been extensively studied for its capabilities, uses, and adaptations over two decades.
• Numerous studies have compared the impact of VM versus optical microscopy (OM) on student learning outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To statistically aggregate findings from comparative studies using meta-analysis.
• To summarize and substantiate the pedagogical efficacy of teaching with virtual microscopy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic screening of VM studies across seven databases based on eligibility criteria.
• Two rounds of screening, followed by numerical and thematic data extraction.
• Meta-analysis to calculate summary effect size and heterogeneity for learner performance and perceptions.

Main Results:

• Meta-analysis of 12 studies revealed a small, significant positive effect of VM on learner performance (SMD 0.28, p=0.003).
• Learners demonstrated marked knowledge gains when using VM compared to OM.
• Learner perceptions analysis indicated a strong preference for VM over OM.

Conclusions:

• Meta-analysis demonstrates that virtual microscopy is modestly superior to optical microscopy for pedagogy.
• Despite non-significant findings in individual studies, VM enhances learning and is preferred by students.