iPod doubles as radiography teaching tool

Students at a U.K. university are using iPods as part of their diagnostic radiography training.

Student radiographers, who move from the classroom to the clinical setting and come face-to-face with real patients, have to learn many patient-positioning techniques quickly and accurately.

The University of Derby in England has issued an iPod to 35 undergraduate diagnostic radiography students. The device features a DVD of radiographic techniques, demonstrating how to correctly position patients for an x-ray.

The iPod delivers purpose-made video footage and graphic animations with commentary on how the positioning techniques of the upper and lower limbs, skull and chest should be carried out, according to the university.

The initiative builds on a similar project developed in the university’s radiography department to help students learn more about the human skull by creating an online virtual reality model of the skull.

 “We are always looking for innovative ways to deliver education to students. By embracing iPod technology we’ve enabled them to access their learning materials wherever they are,” said Chris O’Reilly, e-learning development coordinator for radiography within the faculty of education, health and sciences at the university.

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