Background: New methods are needed to assist medical students with active learning during histopathology classes. The built–in digital cameras of cell phones and smart phones have recently been used to capture histopathological images during histopathology classes. We examined how the use of the cameras affected students’ attitudes to classwork.
Method: The students were encouraged to capture histopathological images with the digital cameras of cell phones and smart phones. We observed and recorded changes in their learning attitude.
Result: The students captured many histopathological images with their digital cameras. They discussed the pathology of the diseases with their instructors while viewing captured images on the phones’ screens. Some students sorted the image files and used them for self–study after class.
Conclusion: Active learning is encouraged by allowing medical students to record histopathological images with the built–in digital cameras of cell phones and smart phones during histopathology classes.