Virtual Problem Based Learning – A needs assessment exploring on-line PBL group learning

TitleVirtual Problem Based Learning - A needs assessment exploring on-line PBL group learning
Faculty/College/UnitMedicine
StatusCompleted
Duration1 Year
Initiation04/01/2011
Project Summary

UBC has a distributed model of medical education with multiple sites. Currently students participate in problem-based learning (PBL) groups at their respective sites with local tutors. This limits student’s exposure to their colleagues and to a wider variety of tutors available throughout the medical school. Recommendations from the Task Force on Undergraduate MD Curriculum Renewal include the adoption of improved flexibility in undergraduate medical education, This project is a needs assessment of students and faculty exploring the possible use of on-line PBL.

Virtual PBL could allow for:

  1. increased flexibility for students and faculty
  2. improve accessibility and unity across the UBC distributed learning model

Based on Kern’s model of curriculum development, the first phase of curriculum development is problem identification and needs assessment. This is the needs assessment of students and faculty exploring the use of virtual PBL learning.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2011/2012
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorJennie Mickelson
Year 1: Funded Amount10,920
Year 1: Team Members

Jennie Mickelson, Assistant Professor, Urologic Sciences, Pediatric Urology
Andrew MacNeily, Head, Urologic Sciences, Pediatric Urology,
Barbara Fitzgerald, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs (VFMP), Pediatrics / Head, Working Group on Flexibility, Dean's Task Force for Curriculum Renewal
John Masterson, Interim Head, Pediatric Surgery
William Gourlay, Program Director, Urologic Sciences