The Webquest Webquest
This page is designed to give educators an introduction to the concept of a webquest and its uses in the learning process. Please read through this page and answer the questions given below.
When using a webquest, the educator usually has the learners write observations, comments, and answers to specific question on a handout designed to work with the webquest (i.e. a worksheet). If the creator of the webquest is comfortable with webpage creation and coding, it is possible to have the students answer questions directly on the webpage (through text boxes) and have the results e-mailed to the webquest's creator. Of the two options, the handout option is easier to manage for beginning webquest creators.
Let's begin!
To start with, we should probably define what it is that we're learning about and what we would like to do with this knowledge after we master it. In other words, what are our goals and objectives?
At the top of this page we said that the goal was to gain an understanding of webquests and their uses in the learning process. So, this brings us to our first question:
1. What is a Webquest?
Please indicate to the instructor when you have answered the first question. When using the link below, you may need to search around the website a little, but students should never need to go to other pages out on the internet.
Let's see if we can find an answer...
2. Ok, so now we know what a webquest is, who came up with the idea?
We need to examine another website this time, so look here. Again, please let the instructor know when you have answered the second question.
3. Ok, now that we know what a webquest is and where the concept came from, we need to ask ourselves, what good are they?
As you did before, please let the instructor know when you've answered this question.
When you begin to think about making a webquest yourself, you should keep a few things in mind.
Most webquests have some sort of "hook" to interest the students. Things like "mystery investigations" or "virtual archeology" or "crime scene investigations" are all popular webquest hooks. The hook is supposed to give the student a plot of some type to link their learning to their web investigation.
A webquest is a great way for teachers to prevent some frustrations common to teaching. Every teacher has, at one time or another, felt like they were "re-inventing the wheel". This happens when teachers cover material that they know is presented in a wonderful way somewhere else (usually on the web). Why spend a lot of time trying to re-invent the wheel? If someone else has done a good job presenting the material, a webquest is an excellent way to make use of it.
Another frustration common to teachers is the "I'm bored with this" syndrome. This syndrome affects both students and teachers. Teachers have been know (shocked gasp) to actually get bored with some of the material that they need to cover! Horrible! Awful! Shame! Shame!
Also, students are just as likely to feel bored with certain material, especially of they are some of our more advanced students. Webquests are excellent tools for holding student interest because they allow the students to progress at their own pace.
Consider the oposite case; what if there is a content area that a particular teacher enjoys and presents well? Why not create a webquest and share the success with other educators?
Finally, remember that during a webquest, the students will be working in a mostly self-directed manner (within the constraints of the webquest). This will provide the instructor with some one on one time that can be used to assist struggling or otherwise frustrated students.
4. How can we develop our own webquests, and are there resources for finding webquests on the internet?
When developing a webquest, the instructor will need to use a web authoring tool like Microsoft's Frontpage, Netscape's Composer, Dreamweaver, or Claris Homepage. Developing a webquest is just like developing any other educational tool, except that in the case of a webquest, the final product will be based on a website.
Using the links below, answer question number 4 by finding at least three pre-existing webquests related to your content area.
The Webquest Page - One of the Best! Click on "Portal"
The Webquest Organization - Same link as the one above, just a different address.
Tom March's page - One of the orginators of the Webquest (along with Bernie Dodge), you did find the answer to question number 2, didn't you?
Here are two resources for you to use when you begin making your own webquests.
Two final thoughts on using webquests.
One, when using a webquest, take the time to examine each and every link used by the webquest. There's nothing more frustrating for students than being directed to a dead link. Check every time the webquest is used.
Two, if you are intimidated by the though of writing your own web-based webquest, or if you come up with a brilliant idea the night before you need to present the material and simply don't have time to create a webpage, you can always adapt the model to a handout. Simply write the questions that the students are to answer on a sheet of paper along with the web addresses that they will use to answer the questions. This is a quick and easy way to use the power of the webquest model with less time invested. If the idea works, then you might want to share your success by creating a traditional webquest so that you (and others) can make use of your idea at a later time.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at:
badgerj@svsd.net
Now go out there and start Questing!
Jeff Badger, technology facilitator, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.