Integrating Technology into PBL Small Groups in a Medical Education Setting

How students used computers and Internet access in the day-to-day work of the problem-based learning (PBL) classroom was studied with second year medical students working in small learning groups. Fifteen students, one from each PBL group, met as a focus group to discuss computer and Internet use. Several themes emerged from the discussions. Overall, there was a generally positive effect of the use of network technology on the PBL discussion process. The role of the preceptor appeared crucial for the group sessions and for the use of electronic resources. The technology was used for several different reasons, especially "foraging" for information or targeted hunting for specific information. The use of the technology appeared to influence students' experience of medical education in terms of electronic cooperation. (SLD)