Residents at Northwestern University have been using tablets and free screen-sharing software during case conferences to see and manipulate the images being presented. More than 75% of residents who have used this tablet-based conference mirroring approach either agreed or strongly agreed that conference mirroring enhanced their learning experience, according to lead author Dr. Sabeen Dhand.

Residents can see the images more clearly on their tablet and can zoom in on subtle abnormalities or pan through the images, according to Dhand. They are also able to do brief Internet searches as needed during the case conferences, he said.

The screen-sharing software also allows the presenter to shift control of his or her computer to anyone in the audience, allowing participants to move their mouse and point out something on the presentation so that the entire case conference audience can see it, he said. Offsite residents can also participate in conferences via this technology, Dhand noted.