Problem based learning approach in the designing of e-content for engineering courses

Abstract

In Malaysia, there is a growing recognition for innovative teaching and learning methods, such as Problem Based Learning (PBL), in engineering education in order to develop competence graduates. The development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has given new impetus to the instructor to improve the quality of education and to meet the current education of the 21st century. The use of e-learning in teaching and learning (T & L) is seen an alternative to produce knowledge workers. The discussion of this paper will look at the development of ideas, concepts and findings of past studies on the use of online PBL. The outcome of this discussion will provide an overview of (i) the background of PBL, (ii) the development of PBL in engineering field, (iii) the application of online PBL approaches for engineering courses and (iv) the model and the characteristics of PBL. In conclusion, the outcome of the discussions found that e-content materials are required in the engineering field due to the lack of theoretical framework and engineering pedagogy as well as the best method of online PBL implementation in designing and developing e-content materials based on PBL.