Dr. Alex from the Department of Vision Science and Optometry and Dr. James Armitage from Deakin University (in Geelong), Victoria, Australia participated in a joint webinar on "Problem-Based Learning" — an innovative learning method with, managed by Dr. Rima Shabani-Chayat from the College. The webinar was conducted using the College's new VBox system.

Through the webinar, instructors from the Department of Vision Science and Optometry learned about the innovative teaching method, Problem-Based Learning, which enables students to remember and internalize practical material in an interactive manner, compared with traditional methods (lectures, etc.). Learning through the PBL method was conducted in a group of 4-9 students in two-hour sessions each time, twice a week, over 50 weeks, with a facilitator or expert in the field. Each week the facilitator presented data on a clinical case to students, and under guidance they collected relevant information and formulated conclusions regarding the treatment. At the beginning of the course students are shown milder cases, then gradually moving to more complex cases.

College staff that attended the webinar learned about the innovation taking place in the world of PBL and how it presents clear advantages in the field of international optometry.

Lecturers from the Department of Vision Science and Optometry at the webinar with Deakin University

The College's VBox system