To enhance a course in 3D Virtual Reality (3D VR) modelling for mining engineers, and to create the potential for off campus students to fully engage with the course, a problem based learning (PBL) approach was applied to the course design and all materials and learning activities were provided online. This paper outlines some of the theoretical background to online learning and PBL and its application to computer based courseware design and development. The application of this approach to the 3D VR modelling course is described. Evaluation data on student perceptions of the learning processes associated with PBL are included. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)