Online role playing in a new problem based learning curriculum in electrical engineering

Role playing has been used as a teaching tool across various disciplines for a very long time1-4. This paper presents on-line role playing simulations in support of the e-learning components of the problem based learning (PBL) programs in the School of Electrical Engineering, Victoria University (VU) that commenced in 2006. There are many challenges in PBL such as the design problems that will allow students to explore many facets of a problem and eventually learn what is needed to solve it. Another challenge is to try and make the problems constructively aligned with the desired learning outcomes of the unit of study. Nonetheless, students will be working in teams on different aspects of the problems. The issue we are faced with in regards to team work is trying to engage students in the problems and to make the problem exciting. As these problems will mimic industry problems, role playing has brought the problems to life. The results indicated a positive outcome.