title: Distance learning, problem based learning and dynamic knowledge networks.
abstract: This paper is an attempt to develop a distance learning model grounded upon a strict integration of problem based learning (PBL), dynamic knowledge networks (DKN) and web tools, such as hypermedia documents, synchronous and asynchronous communication facilities, etc. The main objective is to develop a theory of distance learning based upon the idea that learning is a highly dynamic cognitive process aimed at connecting different concepts in a network of mutually supporting concepts. Moreover, this process is supposed to be the result of a social interaction that has to be facilitated by the web. The model was tested by creating a virtual classroom of medical and nursing students and activating a learning session on the concept of knowledge representation in health sciences.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (LMC), University of Naples Federico II, Italy. ugiani@cds.unina.it
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Giani
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martone
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D019146:Hypermedia; D017145:Models, Educational; D018794:Problem-Based Learning