Developing and Evaluating a Digital Pathology Platform for Veterinary Students: A Case Study in Romania

This paper reports on the development and implementation of a digital pathology platform aimed at improving veterinary students' learning experiences. Traditional pathology labs limit individual access to physical slides, restricting independent study and detailed examination. The platform provides on-demand access to a comprehensive library of high-resolution digital slides, enabling flexible and personalized learning. Using a mixed-method approach, including surveys and usage analytics, we evaluated its impact on student outcomes. Results showed a significant increase in student engagement and satisfaction, with median usefulness ratings of 5 on a 5-point scale. Usage data indicated enhanced study habits, including increased incidence of students reviewing digital slides independently compared to traditional methods. Qualitative feedback highlighted the platform's high-resolution imaging and zoom functionality as key features improving students' understanding of histopathological details. Minor challenges during digitization were addressed to optimize accessibility and interactivity. Overall, this digital platform supports the development of essential diagnostic skills and aligns with contemporary veterinary education skills. The findings demonstrate that integrating digital pathology resources can effectively complement conventional teaching, fostering deeper learning and greater flexibility in study practices.