A model-driven PBL application to support the authoring, delivery, and execution of PBL processes

Abstract

As problem-based learning (PBL) is becoming more and more popular, there is also a growing interest in developing and using technologies in the implementation of PBL. However, teachers may have difficulties to design and deliver a pedagogically well-designed and technically smoothly executable online or blended PBL process on their own because they lack appropriate expertise in learning theories and design methods as well as a deeper understanding of the potential affordances of the available technologies. From this premise, we are committed to developing and testing methods and tools to support the design and delivery of online or hybrid PBL processes with high flexibility and a low threshold of usage requirements. This paper presents a technical approach to develop a web-based PBL application that supports both authoring and run-time usage. In comparison with other tools and technical approaches, it is concluded that a combined use of a model-driven approach and semi-structured data management appears to be a promising approach to effectively and efficiently support the authoring, delivering, and execution of design-time and run-time PBL processes.

A Model for an Effective Learning Process in Higher Education: An Example from Three User Cases

“…For instance (Phungsuk, Viriyavejakul, & Ratanaolarn, 2017) have developed of a Problem-Based Learning model using a virtual learning environment (VLE) for undergraduate students in the Photography for Communication Arts course. A web-based PBL application integrating PrBL authoring tool, a PrBL script instantiation tool, and a PrBL-specific run-time environment is developed by (Wang, Samaka, Miao, Ali, & Hoppe, 2016). PrBL also appears as a learning method for agile models of Software Engineering (Monett, 2013), robotics subjects (López-Nicolás, Romeo, & Guerrero, 2009), as well as for non-technical subjects such as marketing (Dušek, 2021).…”

Chances and Barriers of Online Problem-Based Learning (ePBL) for Advanced Training in the Healthcare Sector

“…PBL was chosen due to its learning success (e. g. in critical thinking) and its increased usage as a teaching method, especially in medical and healthcare education. The method is characterized by the so-called 7-step approach including 1. clarifying terms and concepts, 2. formulation of the problem statement, 3. idea brainstorming, 4. categorizing and structuring ideas, 5. formulation of learning objectives, 6. resolution through self-study, and 7. conclusion by peer evaluation [2]. Further, PBL is usually performed synchronous and in presence [3].…”