Taking it Online – The Effects of Delivery Medium and Facilitator on Student Achievement in Problem-based Learning
Regina Schoenfeld-Tacher
Sherry McConnell
Lori R. Kogan
Colorado State University
Abstract
This study compares the effects of delivery medium (online vs. face-to-face) and facilitator content expertise on academic outcomes in a problem-based learning (PBL) course in anatomy for pre-health/medical majors. The content of online PBL sessions was examined to gain insight into the problem-solving process taking place in these situations. Neither the delivery medium nor the facilitator’s content expertise had any statistically significant impact on students’ quiz performance. Although students initiated most of the questions during online PBL sessions, the majority of these questions were at the lower levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and focused primarily on gathering information about the cases.
About the Author(s)...
Regina Schoenfeld-Tacher is an assistant professor of Clinical Sciences and Coordinator of Instructional Design for the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Education and M.A. in Educational Technology. Her research interests include design and evaluation of online instruction, distance education, technology integration and student-centered instruction. She can be reached at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sherry McConnell is an associate professor of Clinical Sciences and Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She holds an M.S. degree in Anatomy in addition to her DVM degree. Dr. McConnell’s research interests are in the development and evaluation of online biomedical science courses and online continuing education credit for veterinarians. She can be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lori Kogan is an assistant professor of Clinical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the College’s Outcomes Assessment Coordinator. She holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and conducts both qualitative and quantitative research. She can be reached at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
