Problem-based learning.. with digital solutions.

In last month's issue of Academic Medicine, there was an article addressing ever-controversial problem-based learning methodologies in today's medical schools. The author asserts (or rather rants) about the difficulties in implimenting problem based methodologies with regard to expense in both time and human resources. There is also some anectodal referrals to student sentiment about the small groups where most of the cased-based curriculum is presented. Although I agree with some of the conclusions the author makes about how problem-based learning curriculum can be improved, I think the use of online components to facilitate asynchronous group discussions with the identified expert could help with these issues. The presentation of the case online would also address some of the issues with small group inconsistencies.