Research problem
This study measured the effects of problem-based learning on higher education students’ web-based classroom community perceptions
and achievement. The study did not focus on the online technology itself, but the effects of online PBL on learning outcomes. The online
environment provided the setting for the students who were not able to otherwise study cooperatively with their virtual group members.
As stated by Sage (2000), while there are substantial and growing research studies on computer-supported collaborative learning, limited
research has been made on students’ problem-solving processes using asynchronous tools. Believed to meet this need to some extent, this
study aimed to answer the following questions:
Is there a significant difference in the Internet self-efficacy and self-regulated learning scores for experimental and control group
students?
Is there a significant change in the students’ pre- and post-test scores after participating in the online PBL intervention?
Is there a significant difference in the achievement and average assignment scores for experimental and control group students after
participating in the online PBL intervention?
Is there a significant difference in the classroom community scores for experimental and control group students after participating in the
online PBL intervention?