Introduction
Since early in 1995, teachers everywhere have learned how to use the web well by adopting the WebQuest format to create inquiry-oriented lessons.
But what exactly is a WebQuest? What does it feel like to do one? How do you know a good one when you see it?
This week, you're going to grapple with these questions and more.
Task
What is a WebQuest? How is it structured? Which are its theoretical foundations? Do you have to use specific programs? What pedagogical potential does it have? Which levels and subjects can it be used with?
To develop great WebQuests, you need to develop a thorough understanding of the different possibilities open to you as you create web-based lessons. One way for you to get there is to critically analyze a number of WebQuest examples and discuss them from multiple perspectives.
In this task, you are asked to do some research about WebQuests so as to know if it is feasible to implement this teaching resource in the foreign language class.
You are required to report back to other teachers you know what you have discovered and what conclusions you have come to.
In order to do that, you will evaluate some WebQuests created by different people and for a variety of purposes, in addition to obtaining theoretical and practical knowledge that underlie the proposal.
In the end you should have acquired knowledge that will enable you to critically evaluate the possibility to use it (or not) in your practice.
Process
Part 1 - Getting to know the web-based learning activity - WebQuest
Browse the following links. They show webquests created for distinct subjects, levels and purposes. Observe the components of each WebQuest and its characteristics. Make sure the volume on your computer is appropriate, because in some of the links there are sound/audio files.
Have in mind the following questions:
What parts do they have in common? What school subjects do they refer to? What age/level? How engaging are they in your opinion? If you were a student who was asked to do the webquest, would you be willing to do so? As a teacher, can you make any of the processes more challenging? Can you think of any activities that you could add?
Examples
8. Chocolate chip cookies - to eat or not to eat?
11. Beowulf WebQuest
Write about your first impressions of this tool and post in the Schoology group. Keep in mind the issues initially presented:
What is a WebQuest? How is it structured? Which are its theoretical foundations? Do you have to use specific programs? What pedagogical potential does it have? Which levels and subjects can it be used with?
Part 2 - Getting to know the theoretical foundation for the WebQuest
After posting / reading the comments which were made from the observation and analysis of WebQuests the links provided, it is time to expand the first impressions.
Visit the links below to deepen your knowledge about WebQuests.
1) Video with Bernie Dodge (7'51) - What is Webquest
2. What is a WebQuest? How do teachers use it?
4) Webquest - uma técnica para aprendizagem na rede internet
6) A booklet about WebQuest created with another Web 2.0 tool (Issuu)
*Click anywhere on the page to enlarge the view and then just move your mouse around the page to read the information.
Evaluation
Use the rubrics below to evaluate this webquest.
Conclusion
A WebQuest can provide your students with hours of engaging activities. It can transform your role as teacher into one of facilitator, and make your classroom a center for unlimited learning
Credits
At the end of this WebQuest you got to know a new learning tool to create inquiry-oriented lessons.
Permission is granted for others to use and modify this WebQuest for educational, non-commercial purposes as long as the original authorship is credited.
The modified WebQuest may be shared only under the same conditions.
