Implementing ‘ low - tech ’ online PBL : A case - study in Rural Pharmacy education

This paper reports on the effectiveness of using an online solution to support the implementation of PBL with a group of final-year Pharmacy students who were undertaking a rural clinical practicum placement. The online PBL tutorials were both teacherand studentled, using progressively-released static html pages and the discussion board in WebCT. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using this online solution to deliver PBL tutorials to rural students studying off-campus. Quantitative and qualitative results were obtained from analysis of discussion forum postings, the students’ course assessment, focus group discussion with the students, and tutor interview. Findings clearly demonstrated that PBL tutorials can be effectively delivered in an online environment. A number of issues relating to PBL process, technology, and communication are identified, together with potential solutions that could further refine the system. Associate Professor Greg Ryan*, Director, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney.