The Internet is changing the way teachers teach and the way learners learn. E-Learning environments can be designed to not only to support collaborative knowledge building, but also to create extended possibilities for pedagogic interaction not previously available in the classroom. This E-Learning initiative describes the collaborative development of two online environments, WebCT, and Knowledge Forum, designed to enhance undergraduate interfaculty health professional education of the assessment and management of pain. The E-Learning study compliments a one week, face-to-face program at the University of Toronto, March 18 to 22, 2002.

Rich media plays an integral role in the unfolding clinical case scenarios and knowledge building scaffolds. Medical animation (Flash), CT scans and digital video vignettes, integrating standardized patient video with real patient video, were created to develop clinically robust, relevant and authentic case scenarios. Rich media and pedagogic elements provide contextual stimulus for collaborative knowledge building discourse. Knowledge Building theory (Scardamalia & Bereiter) is the pedagogic framework used for design and evaluation.

A sample population of students from six different health science faculties/programs (Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy) was stratified in small groups for participation in the WebCT and the Knowledge Forum E-Learning environments. Two pain content experts facilitated in each. It was hypothesized that rich media E-Learning environments will stimulate collaborative knowledge building to advance individual and collective knowledge and shared understanding. Supporting the development of an interfaculty health care knowledge building community of learners is intended to advance teamwork and practice.

Participants will benefit from attending this presentation and demonstration by gaining an understanding of theory-based design and development of rich multimedia for collaborative knowledge building. This innovative project highlights the effectiveness, efficiency, and engagement of online learning, especially for interfaculty multiprofessional education.

Leila Lax, BA, BScAAM, MEd, PhD candidate
Assistant Professor
Division of Biomedical Communications,
Member, UTCSP Education Committee
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine,
1 King’s College Circle, Room 2356,
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8
Phone: 416-978-2659
Fax: 416-978-6891
Email: l.lax@utoronto.ca
Website: http://icarus.med.utoronto.ca/pain/index.htm

CO-AUTHORS:
Judy Watt-Watson, RN PhD
Graduate Coordinator/Associate Professor
Faculty of Nursing
Chair, Education Committee
UT Centre for the Study of Pain (UTCSP)
University of Toronto
50 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5S 3H4
Phone: 416-978-2850
Fax: 416-978-8222
Email: j.watt.watson@utoronto.ca

Peter Pennefather, PhD
Associate Professor
Faculty of Pharmacy
Member, UTCSP Education Committee
University of Toronto
17 Russell Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5S 3H4
Phone: 416-978-6607
Fax: 416-978-8511
Email: p.pennefather@utoronto.ca

Judith Hunter, BSc(PT), MSc., PhD candidate
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Member, UTCSP Education Committee
Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto
256 McCaul Street,
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5T 1W5
Phone: 416-978-5934
Fax: 416-978-4363
Email: judith.hunter@utoronto.ca

Marlene Scardamalia, PhD
Associate Professor
Centre for Applied Cognitive Science,
Dept. of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
University of Toronto
252 Bloor Street West, 9thFloor
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6
Phone: 416- 923-6641 ext.2264
Fax: 416- 926-4713
Email: mscardamalia@kf.oise.utoronto.ca