Innovation and Technology
Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout our curriculum to transform learning into an interactive, engaging, and clinically relevant experience. Students and faculty leverage a range of digital tools to support active participation, collaborative problem-solving, visual organization of complex concepts, and the application of knowledge through case-based learning. This page highlights the innovative technologies available to support teaching and learning, with access provided through course activities and support from the Office of Medical Education and the Instructional and Curricular Design Unit.
Access to these technology resources is provided to students and faculty when assigned as part of a course or learning activity. For additional information or assistance with access, please contact the Office of Medical Education/Instructional and Curricular Design Unit: ICDSOM@hmhn.org
Slido
Slido is an interactive audience response tool that helps faculty create more engaging and participatory learning experiences. It integrates seamlessly with presentation platforms such as Google Slides, allowing instructors to embed live polls, quizzes, Q&A sessions, and other interactive activities directly into their lectures. These features encourage real-time feedback, increase student participation, and support active learning during both in-person and virtual sessions.
USMLE-Rx and Bricks
USMLE-Rx is a comprehensive learning platform designed to support medical students as they build foundational knowledge and prepare for licensing examinations. The platform includes a robust question bank and flashcards that reinforce key concepts, with question banks that adapt to each learner’s level to provide a more personalized and effective study experience.
A key feature within the platform is Bricks, a collection of concise, multimedia learning modules that break complex medical topics into manageable lessons. Bricks combine short readings, visual explanations, and formative questions to help students build understanding step by step while connecting core concepts across the curriculum.
Lucidchart and Lucidspark
Lucidchart and Lucidspark are collaborative visual workspace tools that support diagramming, brainstorming, and concept mapping. These platforms allow students and faculty to organize information visually through flowcharts, diagrams, mind maps, and collaborative whiteboards.
Lucidchart is particularly useful for creating structured diagrams and process maps, while Lucidspark provides a flexible digital whiteboard for real-time collaboration, idea generation, and group activities. Together, these tools support visual learning, collaborative problem-solving, and the organization of complex information.
Aquifer
Aquifer provides clinical, case-based learning modules designed to help students apply foundational medical knowledge to realistic patient scenarios. Through guided clinical cases, learners practice clinical reasoning, decision-making, and the integration of biomedical concepts into patient care.
Aquifer modules are commonly used to supplement coursework and clinical education, giving students structured opportunities to explore patient presentations, diagnostic pathways, and treatment considerations in a safe learning environment.
WISE Surgery / On Call
WISE-Surgery is a comprehensive learning platform designed to strengthen surgical education by addressing gaps created by evolving clinical training environments. The platform delivers a self-directed experience that integrates computer animation, live surgical video, and interactive content to reinforce core principles of surgical diagnosis and treatment. Its modules span both case-based scenarios that follow the full patient journey and skills-based training focused on essential clinical techniques, while consistently emphasizing clinical reasoning, professionalism, and effective communication.
A key component of the platform is WISE-OnCall, which prepares learners to manage patients based on presenting symptoms and physical findings. Through structured modules that incorporate video simulations, interactive checklists, and practice cases, WISE-OnCall helps standardize patient safety practices and build clinical confidence prior to residency. Together, these offerings support the development of foundational competencies and ensure learners are equipped with a consistent, practice-ready skill set.