What is a Webquest?
“A Webquest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet“ Dodge, 1995
Webquests are activities using Internet resources which encourage students to use their thinking skills in order to carry out a project. Students have to use the information constructively by analysing,criticising and assessing it rather than just copying and pasting material into an assignment or project. Students don’t have to search the Internet looking for information, without a clear purpose in mind. The teachers have already done it, including different links concerning the topic. Webquests promote 21st century skills. Students work collaboratively and use technology so as to create their work and present it to their peers
ďƒ˜ Webquests are a good way to: - let students with different ability levels work together or individually and at their own pace - allow them to discover for themselves - help students become more creative about their final task - make learning interesting by offering a different and a more dynamic approach - motivate students and make them get involved in their own process of learning - let students with different points of view learn from one another
Essential components There are six essential components of a Webquest used in order to structure the activity and organise students: ď ś Introduction The situation, topic or problem to solve is presented here. It should be interesting in order to draw students attention and make them become involved. For example:
ď ś Task It is drawn from the introduction and sets out the goal. Students are told about the assignment they will carry out: a powerpoint presentation, a web page, a blog, a play etc.
ď ś Process A description of the process the students shoud go through in their assignment. It is described step by step and students are given different roles. Resources which are necessary for the task are included here, most of them will be from Internet links.
ď ś Evaluation An explanation about how the students will be assessed. It is usually a Rubric, frequently designed by the teacher.
ď ś Conclusion It is a reflection on what students have been working on. It is focussed on what they have achieved and learnt.
ď ś Teacher’s guide It gives useful information to other teachers.It usually contains. - A description of the grade level of students - The main goals of the Webquest - Implementation strategies - Relevant information regarding the topic.
Bibliography • • • • •
http://www.isabelperez.com/webquest/index.htm#all http://www.teachersfirst.com/summer/webquest/quest-b.shtml http://www.webquestblog.com/ http://www.webquestdirect.com.au/whatis_awq.asp http://es.geocities.com/middleageswomen/end.htm