Effectiveness of a 5G Local Area Network-Based Digital Microscopy Interactive System: Quasi-Experimental Design

Technological innovation is reshaping the landscape of medical education, bringing revolutionary changes to traditional teaching methods. In this context, the upgrade of the teaching model for microscopy, as one of the core skills in medical education, is particularly important. Proficiency in microscope operation not only affects medical students' pathology diagnosis abilities but also directly impacts the precision of surgical procedures and laboratory analysis skills. However, current microscopy pedagogy faces dual challenges: on one hand, traditional teaching lacks real-time image sharing capabilities, severely limiting the effectiveness of immediate instructor guidance; on the other hand, students find it difficult to independently identify technical flaws in their operations, leading to inefficient skill acquisition. Although whole-slide imaging-based microscopy system technology has partially addressed the issue of image visualization, it cannot replicate the tactile feedback and physical interaction experience of the real world. The breakthrough development of 5G communication technology-with its ultrahigh transmission speed and ultralow latency-provides an innovative solution to this teaching challenge. Leveraging this technological advantage, Tongji University's biology laboratory has pioneered the deployment of a 5G local area network (LAN)-supported digital interactive microscopy system, creating a new model for microscopy education.

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of an innovative 5G LAN-powered interactive digital microscopy system in enhancing microscopy training efficiency, evaluated through medical students' academic performance and learning experience.

Using a quasi-experimental design, we quantify system effectiveness via academic performance metrics and learning experience dimensions. A total of 39 students enrolled in the biology course were randomly assigned to 2 groups: one using traditional optical microscopes (control) and the other using the digital microscopy interactive system (DMIS). Their academic performance was evaluated through a knowledge test and 3 laboratory reports. A 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire was used to gather feedback on students' learning experiences. In addition, the DMIS group was required to evaluate the specific functions of the system.

In the knowledge test, no statistical difference was found between the 2 groups; however, the DMIS group scored significantly higher in Lecture 2 (P<.05). In the laboratory reports, the DMIS group performed significantly better than the control group (mean 90.33, SD 2.63 vs mean 80.53, SD 3.52, P<.001). Questionnaire results indicated that the DMIS group has a positive evaluation of the system and expressed greater confidence in its future application. For the evaluation of the laboratory lectures, the DMIS group received higher evaluations on the course content and self-efficacy (P<.05), and higher satisfaction with the laboratory lectures (P<.05).

Overall, the digital microscope interactive system enhances students' learning experiences and improves their academic performance. It offers various interactive functions to facilitate the organization of teaching activities and promote immediate feedback in the classroom. Thus, it is a promising tool for microscopy laboratory teaching.