Veterinary radiography is an essential skill for both students and professionals in the field, requiring not only theoretical knowledge but hands-on experience to master. For this project I designed simple yet effective radiography interactions that can seamlessly blend into a lecture activity or be embedded as part of a comprehensive online lesson.
These interactive learning experiences are crafted to enhance understanding of radiographic positioning, image interpretation, and safety protocols. Whether used as standalone training or part of a larger curriculum, they offer flexibility for instructors and students alike to explore radiography concepts interactively.
Introduction to X-Ray Basics
This first interaction introduces the basics of x-ray imaging, incorporating visual cues and interactive elements to explain how x-rays work and the varying levels of absorption by different tissues.
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Exploring Exposure Settings
This next interaction focuses on understanding how adjusting exposure settings affects x-ray quality. Learners are introduced to a simple slider control that adjusts the milliamperage (mA), allowing them to visualize how changes in exposure impact the resulting x-ray image.
The use of the adjustable slider encourages active experimentation, which helps to solidify learners’ understanding of how different exposure parameters—like mA—affect the visibility and clarity of structures on an x-ray. By simulating these adjustments, learners can see first hand how underexposure or overexposure can impact diagnostic accuracy, making this concept more tangible and easier to grasp.
Understanding Collimation
The next interaction introduces learners to the concept of collimation, which limits the area of exposure during radiography. Collimation not only improves image quality by reducing scatter radiation but also enhances patient safety by minimising unnecessary exposure.
In this interaction, learners can use the adjustable dials to modify the collimation field and see how these changes affect the highlighted area on the screen. By providing a hands-on way to adjust the collimator, learners gain a better understanding of how to properly frame the area of interest, reinforcing best practices in radiographic technique.
Radiographic Positioning
This interaction focuses on positioning the patient for a lateral pelvis radiograph, emphasising the importance of centring and collimation. Learners are guided step-by-step on where to place the x-ray beam, with a clear visual of a dog’s pelvis positioned on the table.
The interaction includes clickable elements where learners can indicate the correct point to center the x-ray beam, reinforcing accurate positioning. It also shows the final radiographic image, allowing learners to compare their choices with the correct positioning outcome. This active learning approach helps solidify best practices for obtaining a diagnostic-quality lateral pelvis radiograph, ensuring that all key anatomical structures are appropriately included.
