WebQuest: A Brief Introduction

Life-long Learning Authentic Situation Subject knowledge Generic skills Scaffolding Rubrics

WebQuest An inquiry activity that presents students with a challenging task, provides access to an abundance of usually online resources and scaffolds the learning process to prompt higher order thinking. The products of WebQuests are usually published on the Web for some real feedback. WebQuests usually involve a controversial topic. The WebQuest could help students construct their own mental models of standing through active inquiry.

What makes WebQuest special Problem-based Learning on the Web Project-based Learning on the Web Learn subject-specific knowledge Learn generic skills Scaffolds student learning Learning Resources mainly on the Web – authentic information Rubrics for self-evaluation

Problem-based learning (PBL) An instructional method that challenges students to "learn to learn," working cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to real world problems. Problems are used to engage students' curiosity and initiate learning the subject matter. Prepares students to think critically and analytically, and to find and use appropriate learning resources.

Project-based Learning a comprehensive approach to instruction. students participate in projects and practice an interdisciplinary array of skills from math, language arts, fine arts, geography, science, and technology.

The WebQuest(ions) An inquiry-oriented activity Teachers choose Web resources for students to use Built around pre-selected resources Can involve group work Support analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information Adapted from the articles by Bernie Dodge, San Diego State University “ Some Thoughts about WebQuests ” ( ) and “ Building Blocks of a WebQuest ” ( )

The WebQuest Model Introduction sets the stage and provides some background information. An instructional set that stimulates prior knowledge and prepares students for new learning. Task or Problems The challenge or conflict to be addressed in the WebQuest activities

The WebQuest Model … Process students go through in accomplishing the task Collaborative teams are formed Specific guided activities Products published on the Web Information sources information needed to complete the task Web-based Print or video resources

The WebQuest Model … Evaluation Open-ended for products created by students as a result of their problem solving. Conclusion The closure to the quest Reminds the learners about what they've learned Teacher’s page information to help other teachers to implement the Webquest, including: target learners, curriculum contents, notes for teaching the unit, and, in some cases, examples of student work Concept Map showing the relationships among the concepts (CU only) References and citations

Types of WebQuests Short term Instructional goal is knowledge acquisition Designed to be completed in one to three periods Long term Instructional goal is extending and refining knowledge Designed to take over one week

Webquest – Main Features Inquiry Approach Mainly use resources on the Web Guided and provided with basic information like web resources Products on the Web to collect feedbacks

Concept Map and WebQuest map/50uses.html map/50uses.html

Activity for you to get familiar with WebQuest Work in groups by following the instruction in the site: ms.html

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