CreateWebQuest

Just as an author would write a juicy introduction to hook their audience, the instructor is attempting to pique the attention of their students with a small paragraph. This is where they would outline the Guiding Question (also known as Essential Question or Big Question) that will direct the course of the WebQuest. One way to pique the interest of the students is by creating a scenario that they must solve, which draws them into the lesson. For example, the instructor might set the scene by stating that the students are now detectives looking to find the author of this mysterious and compelling poetry.

This section outlines the steps that the students will take in order to achieve the WebQuest. In order to answer the Guiding Question, learners must research online using the resources supplied by the instructor. This means that the process itself must include clear explanations, steps, and the appropriate tools for them to accomplish the task. Students will not be successful in this step unless the teacher also provides instructions on how to appropriately organize their research.

If the instructor explicitly stated the criteria for the task in section two, there should be no surprises when the students arrive at the evaluation section. The instructor will have already prepared a rubric or a set of standards by which a student’s performance will be marked. Students should be aware if their grade is dependent on a group or an individual performance, and know what needs to be demonstrated in order to meet the standards. Gaps in learning should be clearly outlined, and both the student and the instructor should be aware of the next steps in order to meet the learning goal.

The WebQuest finishes with a conclusion, which offers both the teacher and the learners a chance for reflection. They are able to review the knowledge gained throughout the process and summarize their newfound understanding. It is possible to extend the activity with further questioning, but a simpler option would be to encourage them to make connections to other ideas.

References

Dodge, B. (1997). Some thoughts about WebQuests. https://webquest.org/sdsu/about_webquests.html

March, T. (2004). What are WebQuests (really)?

At the end of the WebQuest, an instructor may choose to add information related to the lesson that may help other teachers implement the same activity. This could include rubrics, possible learning goals, student work, and challenges that came up throughout the learning journey.