Task Structuring for On-line Problem Based Learning: A Case Study

Getting students to collaborate on group projects in a face-to-face scenario can be difficult enough -but how does one approach collaborative projects in a Web-based environment? This article explores the story of one course that used asynchronous Web-based conferencing software to mediate the group process in a problem-based learning scenario. Through careful planning, assignment structure, and facilitation, this project became a success (based on comparison with previous semesters' projects, student comments and instructor's reflections). Finally, resulting from this case are suggestions that other instructors and instructional designers might use in creating their own on-line group project spaces.