ERIC Number: EJ771835
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Oct
Pages: 15
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1093-023X
EISSN: N/A
WebMail versus WebApp: Comparing Problem-Based Learning Methods in a Business Research Methods Course
Williams van Rooij, Shahron
Journal of Interactive Learning Research, v18 n4 p555-569 Oct 2007
This study examined the impact of two Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approaches on knowledge transfer, problem-solving self-efficacy, and perceived learning gains among four intact classes of adult learners engaged in a group project in an online undergraduate business research methods course. With two of the classes using a text-only PBL workbook distributed through Web-based e-mail (WebMail PBL) and two using a custom-developed multimedia Web-based software application (WebApp PBL), knowledge transfer was assessed by comparing learner scores on a problem-solving final exam scenario. Problem-solving self-efficacy was gauged from a survey grounded in the work of Bandura (2001) and Heppner (1988) and administered pre-and postproject, while perceived learning gains were gauged from a postproject survey based on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Student Assessment of Learning Gains (SALG) questionnaire. Results indicate that while project method does impact knowledge transfer and perceived learning gains, it has little impact on adult learners with already-strong perceptions of their problem-solving abilities. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)
Descriptors: Problem Based Learning, Information Transfer, Problem Solving, Self Efficacy, Academic Achievement, Program Effectiveness, Research Methodology, Internet, Outcomes of Education, Adult Students, Adult Learning, Computer Mediated Communication, Social Environment, Scores, Online Courses, Business Administration Education
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 1545, Chesapeake, VA 23327-1545. Tel: 757-366-5606; Fax: 703-997-8760; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A