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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07302633

Virtual Microscopy Versus Optical Microscopy

The literature reveals ongoing debate regarding the relative effectiveness of Virtual Microscopy (VM) versus Optical Microscopy (OM) in achieving specific learning outcomes (SLOs). There remains a paucity of comprehensive, comparative research evaluating these methodologies against standardized learning outcomes in the medical undergraduate population. This instigated a comparison of VM and OM as teaching methodologies for pathology in medical education, specifically focusing on their effectiveness in achieving predetermined learning outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Learning Problem

Age range

20 year–24 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Quaid-E-Azam Medical College

Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, 63100, Pakistan

About this study

It is now essential to thoroughly evaluate the pedagogical effects of these changing modalities due to the growing trend towards digital learning environments, which has been brought to light by recent global challenges to traditional classroom teaching. By methodically contrasting virtual and optical microscopy for teaching pathology to undergraduate medical students, this work can close this gap. It is anticipated that understanding the superior modality-more especially, how well it achieves predefined learning outcomes-will improve the optimization of pathology instruction in modern medical education and guide evidence-based curriculum selections.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Students of either gender
  • Aged 20-24 years
  • Studying in fourth-year MBBS
  • Willing to participate

Exclusion criteria

  • Students, absent during the interventions or assessments
  • Declined or withdrew consent at any stage

Treatment and study plan

Optical Microscopy

Other

Students were exposed to optical microscopy (OM); OM is the conventional method of using physical microscopes to examine microscope slides.

Virtual Microscopy

Other

Students were exposed to virtual microscopy (VM); VM is a digital technology that allows students to view and analyze microscope slides through digital platforms.

Primary outcomes

  1. Perceptions and satisfaction

    Time frame: 3 hours

    A five-point Likert scale assessed perceptions and satisfaction with the respective teaching methodology. The likert scale responses were graded as 1 for strongly disagree, 2 for disagree, 3 as neutral, 4 agree, and 5 strongly agree.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Muhammad Aamir Latif

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Virtual Microscopy Versus Optical Microscopy: Comparison of Two Teaching Methodologies for Achieving Specific Learning Outcomes in Medical Students.

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Dec 24, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 24, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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