Overall the findings supported that the PBL with ICT group was significant compared to the PBL group and
control group. The mean score for the PBL with ICT group was significantly higher than the PBL and control group
in all the four cases. In case three and case four, ANOVA results showed a significant difference between groups.
For case three there was a significant difference between the following pairs: PBL with ICT group and PBL group;
PBL with ICT group and control group. Nevertheless in case four there was only one significant difference between
groups in PBL with ICT group and control group.
A research was conducted on a third year, Communication Systems II Module (Mitchell et al. 2010). PBL was
implemented in this module. Based on the staff’s observation, students enhanced their communication skills by
engaging in the PBL process. Previously this course was taught using the lecture method. By switching to PBL,
students were required to form groups and solve the problems given by their tutors. The success of group process
depends on small decision making, which in turn is influenced by communication skills and interpersonal skills of
group members (Uden & Beaumont 2006). Overall students developed their communication skills while undergoing
the PBL process. The oral group communication skills of the PBL group and PBL with ICT group were far better
than the lecture group. Another research with PBL with ICT was examined. The research was based on assessment
on the online doctoral nursing course using PBL was conducted (Candela et al. 2009). Students assumed their roles
as chairperson and faculty to assess topics that had been assigned using PBL. Meetings, discussion and summary
were done using an online discussion board. Based on instructor evaluation, the students were highly involved in
meetings and providing solid facts to back their arguments. Based on a survey, the students provided feedback:
teamwork, goal orientation, communication and problem solving received high ratings. Overall the online
discussions provided students with a ground to meet up and discuss issues pertaining to their assignments. The
setting was quite similar to the PBL with ICT group with the electronic discussion group. However due to the
students’ level in Foundation, online was not found practical as at this level it was important to monitor students on
ground and provide scaffolding to aid them at the beginning of the sessions. Nevertheless, the oral communication
improved due to the presence of ICT in the online doctoral course and the Foundation course.