The key idea that distinguishes WebQuests from other Web-based experiences is this: A “WebQuest is built around an engaging and doable task that elicits higher order thinking of some kind. It’s about doing something with information. The thinking can be creative or critical, and involve problem solving, judgment, analysis, or synthesis. The task has to be more than simply answering questions or regurgitating what’s on the screen. Ideally, the task is a scaled down version of something that adults do on the job, outside school walls.”
Bernie Dodge (creator of Webquests.)
Take time to explore the links above.
Task 4
-
Why are webquests so popular in education?
-
How do they meet constructivist principles?
-
Find an engaging webquest you could use in your learning environment and post it below with a comment of how it would fit into a lesson plan or Sequence of Work.
-
Are you interested in creating a webquest ?
“Only a few years ago I returned to Uni to invest more money in my education. I spent countless hours in an “ICT- Education” course creating an integrated ESL/Humanities Webquest on rainforests. I am passionate about webquests. My initial enthusiasm waned after 90 hours in the university computer lab in the evenings after teaching rounds. I learnt how to design a website. More importantly, I learnt I was not an IT technician – I was an educator who enjoyed using ICT. I haven’t had time in my teaching life to create a website since. However, technological tools have caught up with my pedagological beliefs. This semester I learnt I can use a blog to create a webquest. Wow! My life can focus on ideas and learning rather than remembering how to check and repair broken links! Goodbye Dreamweaver (Nightmare Weaver) – hello Blogs and Wikis!”
Regards,
Brigid
If you still like creating a website feel free to check out Microsoft Front Page or Dreamweaver
