Problem-based learning (PBL) was selected as the design basis for a web-based multimedia package to teach grazing management to third year tertiary students. The multimedia package needed to be practically focused and to provide a resource that would support the teaching of the subject across several campuses. The particular attributes the multimedia materials needed to have to apply a PBL approach were: a realistic presentation of genuine problem scenarios; access to a range of resources (information and tools) for problem- solving; facilitation for individual and group work; facilitation for realistic problem presentation; and authentic assessment based on problem solving. The multimedia materials were designed to present a realistic problems based on interviews with farmers, and a range of resources for students to use in resolving the problems. These include tutorials, maps, and databases. The materials were tested in a formative evaluation that included participant observation, a questionnaire, a focus group, and feedback from the subject lecturer on the quality of student output. Data on the evaluation are included in the paper.

Keywords: Problem based learning, instructional design, student learning, cognition, multimedia