Abstract
The use of problem-based learning in both synchronous and asynchronous settings presents great opportunities for advantages but also is subject to challenges. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the integration of problem-based learning into various platforms is paramount for student success. Student education has been restricted to online settings, small group discussions in hybrid settings, synchronous and asynchronous lectures, and this has resulted in a modification of traditional problem-based learning. The modalities of synchronous and asynchronous learning are discussed thoroughly with an emphasis placed upon the different types of communication that can occur in these two modalities. Additionally, the benefits and drawbacks of each modality are presented to provide a foundation for decision making that is based upon the strengths and weaknesses of asynchronous and synchronous interactions. Examples of approaches within the problem-based learning methodology are presented with attention given to the implementation of PBL in synchronous and asynchronous settings.