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Journal of Medical Education

A Preliminary Trial of an Internet PBL -Tutorial Using Mailing List

Abstract

Problem Based Learning (PBL) has advantages, but it also has some disadvantages such as requirement of many rooms and tutor. Internet technology may enable students and teachers to communicate regardless of distance and time. We have tried an Internet PBL-tutorial using mailing list. The learning objectives, scenario, and tutor’s guide were prepared by the course director, and up-loaded in the homepage. Students and teachers (tutors) from different medical schools registered their name, and a mailing list was prepared. Students read the scenario through the e-mail or the homepage, decided what to learn, learned by themselves, and discussed with each other using mailing list. Tutors and the director advised students how to learn. Scenarios were usually divided into 3 parts and revealed to members once a week. Seven courses have been offered: cell biology, inborn error of metabolism, anti-Filariasis project, gene therapy, imported infection, neonatal medicine, and medical ethics. Students and teachers from anywhere can participate in this program at anytime. The discussions were active and in depth. However, students had diverse backgrounds, and some students hesitated to express their thought through e-mail. The responsibilities of directors were relatively heavy. In conclusion, we feel that Internet tutorial system can become a powerful tool for distance medical education internationally.

First Page

87

Last Page

90

DOI

10.6145/jme.200203_6(1).0011

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