title: Designing, implementing and evaluating an online problem-based learning (PBL) environment--a pilot study.
abstract: Problem-based learning (PBL) has been shown to be effective for promoting student competencies in self-directed and collaborative learning, critical thinking, self-reflection and tackling novel situations. However, the need for face-to-face interactions at the same place and time severely limits the potential of traditional PBL. The requirements of space and for meeting at a specific location at the same time create timetabling difficulties. Such limitations need to be tackled before all potentials of PBL learning can be realized. The present study aimed at designing and implementing an online PBL environment for undergraduate speech/language pathology students, and assessing the associated pedagogical effectiveness. A group of eight PBL students were randomly selected to participate in the study. They underwent 4 weeks of online PBL using Adobe Connect. Upon completion of the experiment, they were assessed via a self-reported questionnaire and quantitative comparison with traditional PBL students based on the same written assignment. The questionnaire revealed that all participating students enjoyed online PBL, without any perceived negative effects on learning. Online PBL unanimously saved the students travel time to and from school. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in assignment grades between the online and traditional PBL groups, indicating that online PBL learning appears to be similarly effective as traditional face-to-face PBL learning.
authors.affiliation: Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Education and.
authors.forename: Manwa L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bridges
authors.forename: Sam Po
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Whitehill
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D012985:Software Design; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires