WebQuests
Making Prescriptive Use of the Internet for Learning
by Linda Loder
September 16, 2006
WebQuests are an excellent way of using Internet resources in a prescriptive manner in order to develop students’ research skills and take advantage of the vast array of resources available on the World Wide Web.
WebQuests are designed to use learners' time
well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and
to support learners' thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis
and evaluation. The model was developed in early 1995 at San Diego
State University by Bernie Dodge with Tom March.
According to Bernie Dodge, there are six steps to a successful Unit
WebQuest:
Introduction – Sets the stage or scenario
Task – The product the student will create to demonstrate the learning
Process – How to go about it – teacher guides the students through the task
Resources – The web sites (and other sources!) that will be used in the process
Evaluation – How the product or performance will be evaluated
Conclusion – Summarizes the project and reviews what has been learned; links to prior and future learning
Short Term WebQuests (or Treasure Hunts) involve looking for solid knowledge on a subject. This is a search for the facts and information available. The student may or may not be asked to form an opinion. The instructional goal is knowledge acquisition and integration.The learner deals with a significant amount of new information and makes sense of it.
Unit or Long-Term WebQuests are inquiry-oriented and based from a higher level thinking question or “Big Idea”, often called an “Essential Question.” They are focused on using information, not just looking for it. The instructional goal is extending and refining knowledge. The learner analyzes information, transforms it, and demonstrates deeper understanding through some type of presentation.
Here are some links where you can learn more about WebQuests:
Bernie Dodge's Webquest Search Page
Tom March's Best Webquests Page
Eduscapes Collection of Webquests
Locating and Evaluating WebQuests
University of Richmond – Webquests
