a new approach to information technology instruction for

background and purpose: active learning, combined with computer-assisted instruction, can enhance medical students’ performance and learning. this article is an attempt to introduce a new web-based approach to information technology instruction for medical students. methods: eight topics were selected to be instructed in web-based workshops. phpbb forum was used for web-based collaborative learning. one oral lecture session was held to make the students familiar with the forum and their duties. for each topic, groups of 6-9 students had to search the web, based on a search strategy to find answers for the questions. the students could discuss their findings in their group forum under the supervision of a tutor. results: direct (face-to-face) and indirect (web-based) interactions among students was considerably increased. the students showed greater interest in participating in class activities. students’ attitude toward web-based learning was improved. conclusion: adding collaborative learning to computer-assisted instruction, along with constant supervision by the tutor, can enhance students’ learning, since they can have free discussion and express their opinions key word: s mall group , i nformation technology , w eb - based learning journal of medical education summer 2006; 9(2); 115-125