The impact of computer supported collaborative learning on internship outcomes of pharmacy students

The present article focuses on an evaluation of the impact of an innovative instructional design of internships in view of a new integrated pharmaceutical curriculum. A key innovative element was the implementation of a computer supported collaborative learning environment. Students were – as part of their formal curriculum – expected to work in a systematic and collaborative way in discussing and solving real life cases. Students in the role condition were assigned specific roles. The cases were an additional critical variable in the study. The results of the study demonstrate that both independent variables – role assignment and cases – have a significant impact on levels of knowledge construction and especially on the attainment of objectives of the new integrated pharmaceutical curriculum.