Abstract:
This study was designed to measure the effects of a researcher-designed online problem based
learning project (PBLP) on graduate student individual and cooperative group
achievement. The article provides a rich description of the students' experiences during
the instructional process including quality, quantity, pedagogical issues, and group
dynamic issues. It also chronicles the discoveries of a first time online PBL course
designer. Students reported an overall positive experience despite a somewhat rocky start.
As with traditional PBLP, the students needed assistance during the initial stages.
However, once they had a grasp of the assignments, participants found their peers and the
course materials, not the instructor, as the primary source of support. Course materials
were designed with a variety of multimedia tools and resources. Student feedback
provided definitive ways to improve online PBL course design.