Abstract:
Advances in electronic image recording and computer technologyhave resulted in a remarkable
increase in the power and flexibility of interactive computer-video teaching systems.
The University of Washington Health Science Videodisc Development Group first demonstrated
a laser videodisc controlled by a remote central computer in 1980. Even this rudimentary
unit highlighted basic medical informatics principles including: rapid accessibility;
a “generic” or multi-purposed format; ease of computer control; and large collections
of valid, rigorously reviewed images. Advances in medical informatics have led to
the development of the following previously undescribed series of teaching units:
1. The hypertext programs Hypercard, Linkway, and Guide have been used with videodiscs
to develop easy-to-use instructional and reference materials. These materials demonstrate
the ease with which a computer-naive instructor may develop new programs and the advantage
that the intuitive nature of these programs brings to student users.
2. Patient simulations using single and double screens plus pre-defined knowledge
structures;
3. Interactive single topic tutorials using preset knowledge structures;
4. A key-word-based disc searching system;
5. Electronic video microscopy;
6. A series of programs developed independently by health science faculty who have
purchased multi-purpose videodiscs that demonstrate the flexibility of the multi-purpose
or “generic”: collection concept.
Key-Words:
Computer Simulation - Programming Languages - Computerized Voice and Video - Optical
Disks - Health Education
