Computer mediated problem based learning and higher order thinking skill: A preliminary study

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) can foster learners' lifelong learning attributes such as critical thinking, decision making and collaboration in managing real life problem. The added value of educational technologies such as computer mediated PBL can facilitate the building of learning community and co-construction of knowledge . The objectives of this study was to investigate if the computer mediated PBL learning can facilitate the development of lifelong learning attributes such as higher order thinking skills among learners . The major findings of the study demonstrated that cognitive knowledge was co-constructed and higher order thinking skills was fostered in the computer mediated PBL environment. The contribution of the study are two folded: 1) the Interaction Analysis Model by Gunawardena et al., (1997) provide s a useful tool for investigating collaborative PBL processes enabled by web-enhanced activities, 2) The analysis of the online discussion illuminated the understanding on how the computer mediated PBL process had promoted the mastery of higher order thinking, although some classifications were found to be a bit problematic, in particular, in differentiating the phases of knowledge construction between I and III. In conclusion, the findings can be further examined how interactivity has contributed to effective cognitive learning in the computer mediated PBL community. Copyright © 2014 The Standard International Journals (The SIJ).