WebQuest
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A WebQuest
is an inquiry-oriented lesson
format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from
the web.[1] These can be created using various programs, including a simple word processing document that includes links to websites.
Distinguishing characteristics
A WebQuest is distinguished from other Internet-based
research by three characteristics. First, it is classroom-based.[2] Second, it emphasizes higher-order
thinking (such as analysis, creativity, or criticism) rather than just acquiring
information.[3] And third, the teacher preselects the
sources, emphasizing information use rather than information gathering.[2] Finally, though solo WebQuests are not
unknown, most WebQuests are group work with the task
frequently being split into roles.[2]
Structure
A WebQuest has 6 essential parts: introduction, task,
process, resources, evaluation, and conclusion.[4] The original paper on WebQuests[5] had a component called guidance instead
of evaluation.
Task
The task is the formal description of what the students will
produce in the WebQuest. The task should be meaningful and fun. Creating the
task is the most difficult and creative part of developing a WebQuest.[4]
Process
The steps the students should take to accomplish the task.
It is frequently profitable to reinforce the written process with some
demonstrations.[4]
Resources
The resources the students should use. Providing these helps
focus the exercise on processing information
rather than just locating it. Though the instructor may search for the online
resources as a separate step, it is good to incorporate them as links within
the process section where they will be needed rather than just including them
as a long list elsewhere. Having off-line resources like visiting lecturers and
sculptures can contribute greatly to the interest of the students.[4]
Evaluation
The way in which the students' performance will be evaluated. The standards should be fair, clear,
consistent, and specific to the tasks set.[4]
Conclusion
Time set aside for reflection and discussion of possible
extensions.[4]
Use in education
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Teachers use WebQuests to:
- Keep students on-task while online. (Student activities are organized by the WebQuest and they can stay focused on using information rather than finding it.)
- Extend students' thinking to the higher levels of Bloom's Taxonomy; analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
- Support critical thinking and problem solving through authentic assessment, cooperative learning, scaffolding, and technology integration.
- Introduce a unit, conclude a unit, or provide a culmination activity.
- Foster cooperative learning through collaborative activities with a group project.
- Encourage independent thinking and to motivate students.
- Enhance students’ technological competencies.
- Differentiate instruction by providing multiple final product choices and multiple resource websites. Using multiple websites as reading content allows students to use the resource that works best for their level of understanding.
- Encourage accountability Specific task guidelines and/or rubrics are provided from the beginning of the WebQuest project, so that all students are aware of exactly what is expected of them [6][7]
- Enhance the development of transferable skills and help students to bridge the gap between school and "real world" experiences.
- Provide a situation in which students acquire information, debate issues, participate in meaningful discussions, engage in roleplay simulations and solve problems
- Encourage students to become connected and involved learners.
- Move themselves into the role of coach and adviser rather than the sole source of information.
Limitations of WebQuests
WebQuests are only one tool in a teacher's toolbox. They are
not appropriate to every learning goal. In particular, they are weak in
teaching factual recall, simple procedures, and definitions.[8]
WebQuests also usually require good reading skills, so are
not appropriate to the youngest classrooms or to students with language and
reading difficulties without special design and effort (for example, bringing
in adults to read the screens out loud.)[8]
How WebQuests are developed
Learners typically complete WebQuests as cooperative groups.
Each learner within a group can be given a "role", or specific area
to research. WebQuests may take the form of role-playing scenarios, where students take on
the personas of professional researchers or historical figures.
A teacher can search for WebQuests on a particular topic or
they can develop their own using a web editor like Microsoft FrontPage
or Adobe Dreamweaver.
This tool allows learners to complete various tasks using other cognitive tools
(e.g. Inspiration Software,
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, and Publisher).
With the focus of education increasingly being turned to differentiated
instruction, teachers are using WebQuests more frequently. WebQuests also help
to address the different learning styles of each students. The number of
activities associated with a WebQuest can reach almost any student.
WebQuests may be created by anyone; typically they are
developed by educators. The first part of a WebQuest is the introduction. This
describes the WebQuest and gives the purpose of the activity. The next part
describes what students will do. Then is a list of what to do and how to do it.
There is usually a list of links to follow to complete the activity.
Finally, WebQuests do not have to be developed as a true web
site. They may be developed and implemented using lower threshold (less
demanding) technologies, (e.g. they may be saved as a word document on a local
computer).
Many Webquests are being developed by college students
across the United States as a
requirement for their k-12 planning e-portfolio.
Developments in WebQuest
methodologies
The WebQuest methodology has been transferred to language learning
in the 3D virtual world Second Life to create a more immersive and
interactive experience.[9]
Tools
WebQuests are simple webpages, and they can be built with
any software that allows you to create websites. Tech-savvy users can develop
HTML in Notepad or
Notepad++, while others will want to use the templates available in word
processing suites like Microsoft Word and OpenOffice. More advanced web development
software, like Dreamweaver and FrontPage, will give you the most control over
the design of your webquest. Webquest templates allow educators to get a jump start on
the development of WebQuest by providing a pre-designed format which generally
can be easily edited. These templates are categorized as "Framed" or
"Unframed," and they can have a navigation bar at the top, bottom, left, or right
of the content.[10][11]
There are several websites that are specifically geared
towards creating webquests. Questgarden, Zunal, and Teacherweb all allow
teachers to create accounts, and these websites walk them through the process
of creating a webquest. OpenWebQuest is a similar service, although it is based
in Greece and much of the website is in Greek. These websites offer little
control over design, but they make the creation process very simple and
straightforward.
Alternatively, teachers can use one of a number of free
website services to create their own website and structure it as a webquest.[12] Wordpress and Edublogs both allow
users to create free blogs, and navigation menus can be created to string a
series of pages into a webquest. This option offers a greater deal of
flexibility than pre-made webquests, but it requires a little more technical
know-how.
References
· "WebQuest.org". Department of
Educational Technology, San Diego State University. 2008. Retrieved 2012-03-13.
· · "WebQuests Explanation". Concept to
Classroom Workshop: Webquests. Educational Broadcasting Corporation. 2004.
Retrieved 13 March 2012.
· · Linda Starr
(2012-02-28). "Meet Bernie Dodge: The Frank Lloyd Wright Of Learning
Environments". Education World. Retrieved 2012-03-13.
· · "What are the essential parts of a WebQuest?".
Concept to Classroom Workshop: Webquests. Educational Broadcasting
Corporation. 2004. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
· · Dodge, Bernie
(1995). "Some Thoughts About WebQuests".
Distance-Educator.com. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
· · "What are some critical perspectives?".
Concept to Classroom Workshop: WebQuests. Educational Broadcasting
Corporation. 2004. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
· · Vickers, Howard
(2007-10-15). "SurReal Quests: Enriched, purposeful language learning
in Second Life". The Knowledge Tree. Retrieved 2007-12-05.
· "www.listofwebquests.com". Retrieved 2013-01-06.
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