The changing face of problem-based learning: Social networking and interprofessional collaboration

Social networking and interprofessional collaboration is changing the face of problem-based learning (PBL). An interprofessional PBL programme addressing the problem of limited community awareness of preventive caries management was undertaken by University of Sydney dentistry students consulting on design issues with Chinese University of Hong Kong architecture students. The PBL programme employed social networking as a platform of engagement between peers and facilitators in the two countries developing solutions to the problem of communication of the oral health message to varied community groups. All groups developed effective design solutions but the superior results of the dentistry-only PBL groups stressed the need for scaffolding modification to enhance synchronous online engagement. In developing collective intelligence social networking offers the opportunity to extend use of PBL beyond geographic and professional boundaries provided synchronous augmented communication is possible.