Leica Microsystems offers slide scanning and image hosting for the microscopy classroom

Leica Microsystems in North America is offering a custom slide scanning and image hosting service for teachers, which makes it possible to share images within the classroom and to expand learning outside the classroom. Glass slides sent to a scanning center are processed to create high resolution digital image files, which then can be accessed online from a hosted server via any standard Internet browser. In offering these teaching tools, the company is partnering with Leica Biosystems, using its Aperio ePathology Solutions, which provide similar methods for training doctors in human pathology and disease diagnosis.

“The slide scanning and image hosting service Leica Microsystems offers gives teachers and students more flexibility to work and learn together,” says Vince Vaccarelli, Education Product Manager for Leica Microsystems. “Teachers use microscopes to facilitate the teaching and learning of biomedical concepts. Now they can also set virtual assignments, and students can work on these even after they have left the teaching laboratory. At the same time, access to high-resolution images from any internet location heightens involvement by providing a learning environment akin to social media. This is a learning experience that teachers and students can enjoy and will benefit from.”

Digitizing slides allows teachers to extend the educational value of specimens by making them available to students inside or outside the teaching laboratory. To create a collection of virtual slides, educators send their specimen slides to the scanning center. The slides are digitized according to the teacher-specified magnification, using the same slide scanning technology employed by pathologists for collaboration and slide discussions. After scanning, the glass slides are returned to their owner while the resulting digital eSlides can be downloaded by teachers for local storage or uploaded to a service hosted by Leica Microsystems. Learn more about Leica slide scanning and hosting solutions.