343BRIDGING THE CONTEXTUAL DIGITAL DIVIDE: EVALUATING MEDICAL STUDENTS’ PREFERENCES AND PERFORMANCE IN DIGITAL VS FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING OF MICROSCOPIC ANATOMYLately, technology has played a greater role in education, leading some to wonder how different learning methods impact the achievement of medical trainees. Throughout this study, learner behavior is examined in Microscopic Anatomy and attention is paid to preferences for learning in digital or in-person ways. A total of 684 medical students were given the choice to study Microscopic Anatomy using either virtual or classroom self-study. We systematically collected information about how often and how long participants used each format. Metrics related to grades were studied to observe how different study approaches affected students. People enjoyed learning together in person and their involvement got better as time went on. Nearly eight out of ten students said they felt hands-on microscope use was more effective and enjoyable than digital simulations at the end of the unit. Students who went to classes on campus failed only 13.69% of the time, less than the 22.04% failure rate reported among those who did not attend in person. Quick assistance from tutors (61.38%) and interacting with peers during open lab sessions (74.25%) were the main reasons for students’ choices. Additionally, 46.71% of learners felt more motivated studying in the physical histology lab than they did learning remotely. It becomes clear that ?Contextual Digital Divide? arises because digital tools can’t compensate for learning by doing and by talking with others. It appears there is a continuing need for traditional instruction in subjects that go beyond just lecture. Other studies should determine the best uses of digital learning.]]>652016Virtual courses for anatomy, learning through the internet, examining cells, the ways anatomy is taught and using technology for health sciencesDr V Sujatha,Dr. Saritha Reddy V R,Dr Ganesan Murugaperumal MDAssociate Professor, Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India,Assistant Professor, Deportment of Anatomy, MelmaruvathurAdhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu,,Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Tagore Medical College & Hospital, Rathimangalam, Melakkottaiyur, Chennai- 600127, India