Technological advances and teaching innovation applied to health science education

Abstract

[EN]In recent years, computer application development has experienced exponential growth, not only in number but also regarding the fields that have benefitted from its use. In health science training and medicine in particular, the progressive incorporation of technological developments has transformed the teaching and learning process, resulting in true “educational technology”, which this track focuses on given its repercussion and current dissemination. One of the most representative examples within educational technology has been the development of new content visualization systems, more complete and realistic than traditional learning material on paper. These applications are true learning environments aimed toward maximizing the student’s work outside the classroom and the interaction with the contents given, an important support or complement to traditional teaching. The technological application development with teaching purposes in Heath Science is paying increasing attention to mobile phones, smartphones and tablets due to their portability, economic accessibility and Internet access, maximizing the dissemination and availability of developed applications. These changes in health science teaching pose a challenge for teachers and institutions when designing, developing, implementing and evaluating these technological applications, as well as an effort on behalf of students to adapt. Thus, it is fitting to provide a space to gather and reflect upon these practices in an event like the International Conference on Technology Ecosystems for Enhancing Multiculturalism. Nowadays, a growing number of studies have directed their attention to the effectiveness evaluation of these applications with increasingly sophisticated designs. The results are encouraging and signal a promising future for the development of computer applications in health science. The purpose of this track is twofold: to offer a general vision on the contribution of medical informatics and related fields in health science; and to provide an excellent opportunity to promote and exchange innovative teaching experiences, especially those based on the application of new technologies.