PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

Since 2004, the Istituto Superiore di Sanita has been providing distance training in Public Health, testing innovative learning models based on the integration of active learning methods such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), originally devised for classroom learning, with e-learning tools. PBL is an active learning method where participants work in small groups to solve real-world problems that mirror their working context; the goal is to develop lifelong learning skills. This paper describes an innovative model for the implementation of PBL in e-learning. It was tested within a Master’s course in Clinical Governance for Internal Medicine using the Moodle platform. This modality provided a higher level of interactivity than other previouslydelivered distance learning courses. The results obtained highlight the strengths and limitations of the model, which has been adopted for the second edition of the course.