What is a WebQuest ? Inquiry-based learning Student-centered Combines instructional strategies

1. Web Quests in 21st Century Learning Reaching more students successfully • What is a WebQuest? • Inquiry-based learning • Student-centered • Combines instructional strategies • Uses and processes information • Can be short-term or long-term • Organized in a specific way that has become universal

2. Web Quests in 21st Century Learning Reaching more students successfully • WebQuest format: • Introduction • Task • Resources • Process • Evaluation • Conclusion • Teacher's Guide(optional) • EXAMPLE: • “Literary Fan Club”http://itdc.sbcss.k12.ca.us/curriculum/literaryfanclub.html

3. Web Quests in 21st Century Learning Reaching more students successfully Inquiry-Based Learning • Focus students' inquiry on questions that are challenging and have to be solved • Teach students specific procedures and strategies in the process of solving the quest (i.e.,metacognitionandproblem solving) • Include opportunities for students to access information that is essential to the inquiry • Give students opportunities to work with peers (cooperative learning) • Help students develop competencies while completing a sequence of activities • Provides the opportunity for performance/presentation • Involve students in the process of deriving the standards for performance • Rely on authentic assessment of learning WebQuests Student-centered learning

4. Web Quests in 21st Century Learning Reaching more students successfully • Student-Centered: • Students play a role • Not text book driven • Teacher as facilitator • Choosing themes that have meaning to students • Have a stake in the presentation and set up their own criteria

5. An example of how a WebQuest is student-centered: • “Rewriting Romeo and Juliet” http://www.richmond.edu/~ed344/webquests/shakespeare/ • Cross-curricular • English • Drama/Film • Social Studies - cultural studies Comprehension and transferable knowledge • Meaningful learning • Multi-media presentation Greater retention

6. The Internet in the 21st Century School The Why and How for Success for All Cooperative Learning: • Working in a team Business model (Knowledge Management) AND life-long learning • Social skills • Learn how to deal with constructive feedback • Learn how to reach a consensus • Awareness of their contribution (reflection sheet) • Learn about different jobs and roles • Listening skills • Verbal skills • Appreciate diversity

7. The Internet in the 21st Century School The Why and How for Success for All Affective Learning: • Enthusiasm • Motivation • Expressing opinions • Talking about frustrations • Reflection

8. Web Quests in 21st Century Learning Reaching more students successfully • Learning styles - speaks to all types of learners • Tactile • Auditory • Visual • Working on students’ on strengths and weaknesses (E.g. WebQuests for at-risk students project) Student-centered learning

9. Web Quests in 21st Century Learning Reaching more students successfully Where to begin: • Get together with other teachers Combine strengths and expertise • Explore Web Quests that are already available Don’t duplicate it if you don’t have to • Assess your students’ needs (Multiple Intelligences etc.) • Start slow E.g. Nine Reasons to Use the Internet

10. Created by Sabine Cossette: • Consultant in information communication technologies (ICT) for the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) • EMSB office: • 6000 Fielding Ave. Montreal, Quebec H3X 1T4 Telephone: (514) 483-7346 Fax: (514) 483-7246 Email: scossette@emsb.qc.ca