A learning tool in medical imaging: using procedure graphs in radiographic process simulation.

Teaching the procedural elements of imaging protocols and understanding the interrelationships and interdependencies of diagnostic X-ray system parameters and their effects on image quality, are among the main objectives of medical imaging training programs. A teaching tool is designed and implemented to support these goals. Tool design is influenced by hybrid learning system architectures and it is based on a graph approach, which is described. Implementation is carried out using a hypermedia development environment (Toolbook) coupled with a database (Paradox). The core of the system is an attributed priority graph, capable of supporting the organization of the domain knowledge, monitoring of user-machine interaction and managing the user-system dialogue. Use of this approach resulted in an interactive simulation tool, which provides computer aided learning support, to radiology related personnel, such as radiologists and radiographers. The potential value of the tool is not restricted only to didactic tasks, but may include trouble-shooting and documentation.

[1]  Ray J. Paul,et al.  Developing an intelligent tutoring system for a business simulation game , 1993, Simul. Pract. Theory.

[2]  André Péninou,et al.  An Object-Oriented Approach to Produce Educational Hypermedia Software , 1992, ICCAL.

[3]  J G Hennessey,et al.  Computer-based learning in radiology: a hypermedia application in CT. , 1990, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[4]  Nicole Yankelovich,et al.  Context and orientation in hypermedia networks , 1989, TOIS.

[5]  G. Barnett,et al.  Computers in medical education , 1990 .

[6]  Max Mühlhäuser,et al.  Project NESTOR: New Approaches to Cooperative Multimedia Authoring/Learning , 1992, ICCAL.

[7]  Guy Gouardères,et al.  Standardized Architectures for Integrated Open Courseware , 1992, ICCAL.

[8]  Etienne Wenger,et al.  Artificial Intelligence and Tutoring Systems , 1987 .

[9]  L Costaridou,et al.  An educational hypertext system supporting radiographic image quality. , 1993, Medical informatics = Medecine et informatique.

[10]  Stanley R. Trollip,et al.  Computer-Based Instruction: Methods and Development , 1985 .

[11]  T E Piemme,et al.  Computer-assisted learning and evaluation in medicine. , 1988, JAMA.

[12]  Edward A. Fox,et al.  Advances in interactive digital multimedia systems , 1991, Computer.

[13]  Ben Shneiderman,et al.  Engagement and construction: Educational strategies for the post-TV era , 1992, J. Comput. High. Educ..

[14]  P J Lynch,et al.  An introduction to interactive hypermedia. , 1990, The Journal of biocommunication.

[15]  Thomas P. Moran,et al.  The evaluation of text editors: methodology and empirical results. , 1983, CACM.

[16]  D. Norman.  The psychology of everyday things , 1990 .

[17]  Jürgen Ebert,et al.  Structuring the Subject Matter , 1992, ICCAL.

[18]  L S Rabushka,et al.  Development of a Computer-Assisted Instructional Tool for Evaluation and Treatment of Renal Masses: An Experiment in Hypermedia , 1993, Investigative radiology.

[19]  Jeff Conklin,et al.  Hypertext: An Introduction and Survey , 1987, Computer.

[20]  Jakob Nielsen,et al.  Hypertext and hypermedia , 1990 .