Design of the information sharing mechanism in supporting students´ collaborative learning in PBL environment

The purpose of this study is to describe the design of the information sharing mechanism in online problem-based learning environment. Problem-based learning engages learners in collaborative and authentic learning experiences, knowledge and skills are inquired and acquired by collaboration of groups of learners. With the infusion of Web-based technology, this study developed the information sharing mechanism to meet learners´ needs of exchanging resources and opinions during the process of collaboration. This mechanism is an open, dynamic and evolving resources pool composed of instruction resources, group-gathering materials and personal learning references. Learners are able to easily give and get information within groups, and also contribute resources for the specific subject of the course.