Abstract 10

We present the education program aimed at illustrating pediatric hematological neoplasias through cytological images recorded on videotape. We produced two videotapes which show a series of microscope pictures on the morphology, cytochemistry and cytogenetic patterns of acute lymphatic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemias, respectively. These videotapes were intended for students and pediatric hematologists. We followed the criteria recommended by the French-American-British classification; commentary and iconographic material were added to microscope pictures. Nowadays novel telematic opportunities using image processing are inducing a rapid and strong impact on education programs in medicine. Pictures, acquired by systems easily accessible by simple menu, can be recorded on a master compact disk (CD); notes and clinical data can be added to constitute a permanent record. The whole can be also transmitted by telematic facilities. Videotapes and CDs present similar characteristics, such as good image quality, possibility of adding explicative commentary, schematic guidelines. However they differ in wideness of diffusion, technical equipment required for users, computer engineering acquittance necessary for setting them up, technical instruments needed for recording. Education programs can benefit from information technology and all the new possibilities offered by this technology should be worked out.