TY - JOUR T1 - Pathologists dislike sound? Evaluation of a computerised training microscope. JF - Journal of Clinical Pathology JO - J Clin Pathol SP - 330 LP - 333 DO - 10.1136/jcp.51.4.330 VL - 51 IS - 4 AU - E Gray AU - E Duvall AU - J Sprey AU - C C Bird Y1 - 1998/04/01 UR - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/51/4/330.abstract N2 - AIM: To evaluate the use of multimedia enhancements, using a computerised microscope, in the training of microscope skills. METHODS: The HOME microscope provides facilities to highlight features of interest in conjunction with either text display or aural presentation. A pilot study was carried out with 10 individuals, eight of whom were at different stages of pathology training. A tutorial was implemented employing sound or text, and each individual tested each version. Both the subjective impressions of users and objective measurement of their patterns of use were recorded. RESULTS: Although both versions improved learning, users took longer to work through the aural than the text version; 90% of users preferred the text only version, including all eight individuals involved in pathology training. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologists appear to prefer visual rather than aural input when using teaching systems such as the HOME microscope and sound does not give added value to the training experience. ER -