FIRST REPORT ABOUT AN E-LEARNING APPLICATION SUPPORTING PBL: STUDENTS’ USAGES, SATISFACTIONS, AND ACHIEVEMENTS
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study was to determine applicability of e-learning in problem based learning (PBL) by investigating its usage and acceptability among students and its effect on academic achievement.
The study was carried out among first year medical students of Akdeniz University, Turkey. A web-based learning environment (WBLE) including various learning resources was prepared for students to use throughout self-study period of a PBL module carried out in 2006-2007 academic year. Data were collected to determine WBLE usage rates, its effect on academic achievement, and satisfaction with it. First, computer log files were examined to determine “users” and “nonusers” of the WBLE and its usage frequency per student. Second, a questionnaire was delivered at the end of the PBL module to determine acceptability of WBLE among students. Finally, PBL exam scores of the WBLE users and nonusers were compared to investigate the effect of WBLE on academic achievement.
Of the 174 first year medical students, 137 used the WBLE in their self study period throughout the PBL module. Mean login number per student was 16.8. The questionnaire was completed by 94.8% of the students. Sixty six percent of the participants were satisfied with the WBLE. End-of-module PBL exam scores of WBLE users were found slightly but not significantly higher than those of nonusers.
This the first study investigating applicability of e-learning in PBL modules. High usage rates and student satisfaction in our study may be encouraging and promising for wider application of e-learning in future PBL performances.