Implementing Problem-Based Learning with WWW Support in an Introductory Pharmaceutical Care Course 1

This project was undertaken to increase active learning opportunities in the course, “Introduction to Pharmaceutical Care” and to introduce problem-based learning (PBL) to the College of Pharmacy. Training was designed to introduce students to PBL and to prepare faculty to facilitate PBL groups. Communication was facilitated by WebCT World Wide Web Course Tools support. The project was wellreceived by both students and faculty. Students responded positively to the PBL experience and were found to perform as well in the course as the preceding class, which had no PBL experience. Faculty members who participated in training sessions and facilitated groups indicated they would be willing to facilitate again in the future. Anticipated logistic and organizational problems were overcome. As a result, PBL is likely to become a permanent addition to the course and has been successfully introduced via direct experience to 22 facilitators.