Using Focus Group Techniques to Explore the Possibility of using Electronic Communication Tools for Problem Based Learning at Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract

Problem Based Learning PBL is an educational approach that requires the students› interaction with each other to clarify their educational needs, share information for solving the problem under investigation and make use of various educational resources available online such as electronic books, scientific research papers, and Internet resources, and then access the collected information to reach a solution to this problem of education. This study aimed to determine the possibility of using electronic communication tools for the [Problem Based Learning] from resource persons’ point of views at College of Medicine & Medical Science; Arabian Gulf University. The study implemented a qualitative research method based on focus group techniques on a sample of 24 resource persons who work for the Arabian Gulf University. The most essential results that came out of the qualitative analysis were that there were many difficulties facing, the use of communication tools in the virtual learning environment WebCT. The time restrictions of the student, lack of using WebCT tools, lack of support for students to use the same tools by resource persons and tutors. The resource persons focused on the point that the students do not require skills to use WebCT, and there is a need to make the environment of using WebCT in line with the external environments which students refer to during their learning. Also, they focused on the importance of participation of students with college management to design the WebCT from the beginning and to instruct the students toward using the same environment, as the same shall be implemented on premedical and not after the start of using PBL. Recommendations included; the need to train the tutors and resource persons on using WebCT and help them master the skills needed for using WebCT in their teaching and interacting with their students.