The VM Project: the parallel texts method promoting deep learning engagement of medical students

Abstract

The article draws on the VM project, Digital Transformation of Histology and Histopathology by Virtual Microscopy (VM) for an Innovative Medical School Curriculum, funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ framework. The project has as its focus VM, which has come to be regarded as a modern tool boasting increased quality and utility in microscopy education in European medical schools. We aim therefore at digitally transforming microscopy teaching and learning in order to achieve a cost-effective implementation and successful use of virtual microscopy technology towards the improvement of the histology and histopathology curriculum. The paper looks into the project’s objectives and results, among which standard E.U. curricula for histology and histopathology, a virtual slide library, a training guide on advanced VM teaching in microscopy, and an open online course on VM. As an add-on, we also introduce the parallel text reading approach and its beneficial effects on the quality of foreign language learning by medical students. In view of the transferability potential of its deliverables and its relevant methodology, we are confident that the VM project contributes to the overall modernization of the educational system.