Open educational resources in immunology education

Abstract

The use of computers as a pedagogical resource is currently on the rise. In the case of immunology, students present difficulties in visualizing molecular phenomena. Thus the use of animations and simulations available on the internet might facilitate the learning of complex immunological concepts. In this context, it is important to map and assess the currently available resources that may be used for educational purposes. This study comprises the search and analysis of educational immunology software freely available on the internet, which can aid students and health professionals in effective learning and continuing education scenarios. A detailed search in English on the existence of free software was carried out on websites and scientific databases. The results clearly indicate a lack of freely available and scientifically validated immunology educational software, despite the existence of several software programs that could be used as auxiliary teaching tools.