Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop WebQuests: An Overview

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop What is a WebQuest? An inquiry-based activity developed by Bernie Dodge and Tom March in 1995 at the San Diego State University Learners create knowledge products (e.g., report, poster, magazine) out of information found on the Web and in other sources Targets higher order thinking skills: analysis, synthesis, evaluation

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop 1. Introduction: sets the stage/ establishes the context (creative and motivational) 2. Task: a doable and interesting “mission”; revolves around an open-ended question 3. Process: detailed, sequential steps that students must follow to accomplish the task Elements of a WebQuest

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop 4. Resources: Web and other resources for students to use in order to be able to accomplish the task 5. Evaluation: explains to students how their work will be evaluated 6. Conclusion: closing statement Elements of a WebQuest

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop It promotes cooperative learning.  Learners work in groups.  Each member has a role to play; roles complement each other.  Learners learn that no one knows everything. Why Do a WebQuest?

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop It promotes authentic learning.  A real-world problem must be solved creatively (no set answers).  Learners work with real resources.  Learners’ outputs have a real audience (the output is published). Why Do a WebQuest?

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop It promotes learning through guided experience.  The task is broken down into sub-tasks (Process).  Examples are provided.  The activity is linked to previous lessons.  Learners act as novices working with real experts. Why Do a WebQuest?

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop It develops information literacy and higher order thinking skills. It promotes reading and writing across the curriculum. It promotes reflective learning through self- assessment (and peer evaluation). Why Do a WebQuest?