Debbie's Weblog

A webquest is an assignment, which asks students to use the Web to learn about a specific topic.  Webquests are among the most fascinating applications on the Internet for K-12 educators.  Not only, they challenge students to explore the web for information, but also, it is an excellent way to integrate the Internet into the classroom.  It is student centered and inquiry based.  Webquests have an introduction, a process, a task, a list of resources, a conclusion and an evaluation.

I find it the perfect model for teachers searching for ways to incorporate the Internet into the classroom on both short-term and long-term basis.  A webquest assignment can be given on the web itself by sending the students to a web page, which serves as the ?home base? for the student?s information search. 

A good webquest makes learning interesting for the students.  It puts the power of the Web behind your topic.  You can show students, or let them discover for themselves, not just tell them.  The links to the websites can take the students anywhere in the world.  They can, also, allow the student to work at their own pace, either individually or in groups.  Furthermore, it lets students explore selected areas in more depth, but within the limits that the teacher has selected thus avoiding the use of ?shaky? sources. 

Webquests can also increase the ?comfort level? of students using the Internet for learning activities.  While we know that our students are computer literate, a properly designed webquest can help students become creative researchers rather than simply ?surfing? from one site to another.

I happen to like webquests because they are highly visual.  The web is a visual medium and the presentation becomes stronger when it includes sites with lots of pictures, maps, animations or even sounds.  These are teaching tools that keep the students? interests.  They are also easy to use.  Students can move easily from one location to another without a lot of tedious mouse work.

Although I have not made a webquest by myself before, I had the pleasure to collaborate on a few with colleagues.  Some questions to consider before starting:

1. What do I want my students to learn as a result of this lesson?
2. Why is this information important?
3. Where does this information fit into the specific context of this unit?
4. How does this information fit into the broader curriculum?
5. How can this information help students make connections across subject areas?

Finally, there are some limitations to consider.  Are there enough computers?  Should students work in teams or individually?  If working it from home, would the student have support from the parents?