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Webquests I – an exploration. Sue Spence November 2002. What is a webquest?. A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with, comes from resources on the internet. Short term (1-3 lessons) WebQuest
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Webquests I – an exploration Sue Spence November 2002
What is a webquest? A WebQuest isan inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with, comes from resources on the internet.
Short term (1-3 lessons) WebQuest knowledge acquisition and integration Longer term (1 week+) WebQuest extending and refining knowledge analyze a body of knowledge deeply, transform it in some way, and demonstrate an understanding of the material by creating something that others can respond to An inquiry-oriented activity
Many (though not necessarily all) links to resources are embedded in the WebQuest document itself. web documents, experts available via e-mail searchable databases on the net, books and other documents physically available in the learner's setting. Information sources “Because pointers to resources are included, the learner is not left to wander through webspace completely adrift.” Bernie Dodge, Active Learning on the Web San Diego State University 1996
An introduction that sets the stage and provides some background information. A task that is doable and interesting. A set of information sources needed to complete the task. A description of the process broken out into clearly described steps Some guidance on how to organize the information acquired A conclusion brings closure to the quest reminds the learners about what they've learned perhaps encourages them to extend the experience into other domains. Structure of webquests
Other webquest features • can often be a group activity • can be enhanced by motivational elements of role play (e.g., scientist, detective, reporter), simulated personae to interact with via e-mail, and a scenario to work within (e.g., you've been asked by the Secretary General of the UN to brief him on what's happening in sub-Saharan Africa this week.) • can be designed within a single discipline or they can be interdisciplinary.
Publishing the results • it focuses the learners on a tangible and hi-tech task; • it gives them an audience to create for; • and it opens up the possibility of getting feedback from that distant audience via an embedded e-mail form.
Be a webquest designer • Become familiar with the resources available on-line in your own content area. • Organize your knowledge of what's out there. • Identify topics that fit in with your curriculum and for which there are appropriate materials on-line. • Use a template