The Modularized Course Development of The Virtual Medical University

Kwon, Hyungkyu

Abstract

PURPOSE
Problem Based Learning (PBL) has been considered the innovative instructional methodology for medical education. Applying PBL to real life medical education has several difficulties, such as providing learning materials with enough depth and breadth, a shortage of space for small collaborative learning, and a shortage of PBL instructors. METHODS: The proposed system takes advantage of web-based education and structured contents development. In particular, for structured contents development, we introduce the concept of 'module', the independent and object-oriented contents unit, which can be easily reused and interchanged among the different course developments. RESULTS: Through modularized course development, lecturers are able to reduce their efforts and expenses for new curriculum development. This would be done by combining courses or developing interdisciplinary courses by reusing the existing learning modules. It supports the learner-centered, and small collaborative learning, which are main strategies of PBL by providing the functions of the various interaction facility production (BBS, discussion site, etc) in cyber space. CONCLUSION: This system provides the detailed categories for modules as a basic, learning guide, prerequisite/supplementary/elaborated learning, regular learning, experiment/practice/training, and evaluation not to lose one's bearings.