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WebQuest
What
is a WebQuest?
A specific type of problem solving, inquiry
learning activity is known as a WebQuest. Created by Bernie Dodge, the
quests require students to use the web to research information that will give
them the facts to enable a decision that will resolve a problem.
WebQuests come in a wide variety of activities. Visit the WebQuest home
site to get a feel for the activity. Below are several examples of
WebQuests.
When higher order thinking concepts are the
target and the more challenging aspects of the topic are explored, your
students are ready to try a WebQuest. Basically, a WebQuest presents student
groups with a challenging task, scenario, or problem to solve. It is a
cooperative learning activity. It's
best to choose aspects of a topic that are under dispute or that at least offer
different perspectives. Current events, controversial social issues, and
environmental topics work well. Also anything that requires evaluation will
evoke a variety of interpretations. The web is so critical because it offers
the breadth of perspectives and viewpoints that are needed to construct meaning
on complex topics. Students benefit from being linked to a wide variety of web
resources so that they can explore and make sense of the issues involved in the
challenge.
Logistically, all students begin by learning some common background
knowledge, then divide into groups. In the groups each student or pair of
students have a particular role, task, or perspective to master. They
effectively become experts on one aspect of a topic. When the roles come
together, students must synthesize their learning by completing a summarizing
act such as e-mailing congressional representatives or presenting their
interpretation to real world experts on the topic.
To
learn more about WebQuests and to experience one, go to the WebQuest about
WebQuests and complete the cooperative learning activity.
Why
use a WebQuest?
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/necc98.htm
Check Out Some WebQuests!
University of Richmond undergraduate
program web
activity page
- Stitch
in Time
- Dolphin-Safe
Tuna?
- A
Knights Tour
- Rewriting
Romeo and Juliet
- Fix
It Up
- Building
Monuments in Ancient Egypt
Tools to help with a web activity
As you can see from the amount of information on the web, this is a much discussed and well liked activity. Students learn and have fun. This is a wonderful problem solving activity for students.
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