Using Technology to Enrich Veterinary Education
When you visit the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), you will be provided a rich behind-the-scenes look at the veterinary school experience. In past years, student ambassadors have been able to discuss with our visitors some of the creative teaching methods that instructors utilize in the classroom, but now we can actively showcase these technological tools thanks to the purpose-built expansions found in our new Veterinary and Biomedical Educational Complex (VBEC).
One such expansion can be seen in the Center for Educational Technologies (CET), a special department in the CVM with an imperative mission to create innovative teaching materials for the veterinary community on campus and beyond. Some of their incredible projects include 3D videos of surgical procedures, online teaching modules for practical veterinary skills (such as learning suture patterns and identifying different classes of heart murmurs), and durable water-repellent veterinary field manuals. Upon seeing some of these educational resources on a recent tour, one of our visitors remarked, “We certainly didn’t have that when I was in veterinary school!”
The CET is also invested in designing and acquiring software that can help both our current students and hospital clients. Their computer tablets can be manipulated 360 degrees to see exactly what each member of a veterinary team does to successfully treat an animal requiring a surgical procedure. Students can visualize the roles of the surgeon and support staff through the preparation and completion of a procedure, second-by-second and angle-by-angle. This helps increase a student’s confidence for when he or she takes the next step in practicing essential surgical skills. Additionally, these model videos can help clarify questions about how certain surgeries are actually performed, benefitting clients who come to our small and large animal hospitals. Many clients have expressed gratitude towards veterinarians and students who take the time to demystify what steps are taken to help treat their pets. Therefore, the CET provides methods to bridge educational gaps from all perspectives in the veterinary field.
As you can see, the CVM is investing in transformative teaching methods. What’s more is that the CET is not the only department seeking unique ways to reach students of all learning styles. We have faculty keen on developing animal simulation models, online learning exercises geared toward visual learners, and client-physician communication practice, all of which help prepare veterinary students to be the best doctors possible by the time they graduate. We are incredibly lucky to learn within such a diverse curriculum.
If you are interested in learning more about the Center for Educational Technologies and its innovations, please visit: tamucet.org