An activity-theoretical approach to a virtual problem based learning environment

Activity theory emphasizes the mediational role of the culture factors and the social factors in an activity system. Viewed from the perspective of activity theory, a problem-based learning (PBL) activity is an activity system, in which the cultural and social characteristics are different from that of traditional subject based learning. It is claimed that such distinction should be reflected in virtual PBL environments. In this paper, a conceptual framework for the design of virtual PBL environments is proposed in the light of activity theory. According to this conceptual framework, a virtual learning environment for PBL is developed, in which the roles of cultural and social mediation in the PBL activity are emphasized.