By Cellia Putriama By Cellia Putriama WEBQUEST

Definitions Using web quest in ELT Advantages and disadvantages of using web quest

DEFINITIONS OF WEBQUEST A Web Quest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet, optionally supplemented with videoconferencing. There are at least two levels of Web Quests that should be distinguished from one another. According to Dodge (1997), a Web-Quest is an inquiry- oriented activity in which students interact with information gleaned primarily from resources on the Internet

Webquest in ELT The goal then, and now, was to create lessons that make good use of the web, engage learners in applying higher level thinking to authentic problems, and use everyone's time well.

Advantages of Web Quest I. Students: o Similar structure across Web Quests - Ease of use. o Encourages readers to interact with information-based Internet resources. o Motivating (stimulates learner’s imagination) o Students can create their own Web Quests (An engage with classmates' quest.) o Web Quests can be worked on at home/library II. Teachers: o Similar structure in all Web Quests – Easy to create. o Emphasis on teaching skills required to read Web Quests o Encourages effective & structured use of Internet time (inquiry based lessons/units are designed so as to guide students meaningfully) o Accommodates learners' diverse learning needs (individual and group work)

B ) Disadvantages: I. Students: o Most Web Quests are not designed to meet your specific state/provincial educational curriculum o Access (slow web connectivity and inadequate number of computers) o Resource links readability often too high o Creating own Web Quest requires time upgrading technical skills and information literacy skills o Inflexible structure II. Teachers: o Similar structure in all Web Quests – Easy to create. o Emphasis on teaching skills required to read Web Quests o Encourages effective & structured use of Internet time (inquiry based lessons/units are designed so as to guide students through educational/ meaningful learning experiences) o Accommodates learners' diverse learning needs (individual and group work) III. Teachers and Students: Broken Links (Web Quests are taken off the internet) Creating your own Web Quest takes time (especially on your first few) Content often focused on Web resources, ignoring other library resources

Advantages-both from personal experience and from readings Good webquests pose an open-ended question. They’re clear and show students that they must know more that the facts to have a good understanding. Level of scaffolding in webquests. The process is well explained to the students and everything is explained in step format, so students understand what they’re to do and what’s required. Students assume the role that allows them to investigate an issue through their view. The students are more responsible for the own learning therefore they construct a deeper understanding of the content (March, T. 2000). Student’s ca gain access to webquest sites at home so they can work on the task at home. It’s something different. Students get to use technology, which they like, and they can zone in on sites to look for information rather than search the net aimlessly (March, T. 2000). Students can go at their own pace, so they don’t feel pressured to complete the task.

Disadvantages-Both from personal experience and from readings. Have to ensure task required is actually beneficial. Questionable educational benefit in having students surfing the nest without a meaningful task in the mind. Web quests can take a considerable amount of class time, especially when students can’t get access from home. Students can get bored doing the same thing with the content, reading it and then writing answers. Can get easily distracted using the web. If the webquests is not properly suited to the material being learnt by the students, or if 1 area in the webquest is irrelevant, it will be a waste of students time and it will not further the students knowledge in any way (March, T. 2000).