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WebQuests
What is it? 
A WebQuest is a research activity in which students in collaborative groups collect information from the Internet based on a specific task or mission given by the instructor. Each student usually has a specific role to play or area to research. The group collects a large amount of information and then must transform that information into a cohesive and sophisticated understanding. A WebQuest usually involves the following processes:
- Introduction: Orients the students to the task and garners their interest.
- Task: Informs the students as to what they are expected to produce by the end of the quest.
- Process: Instructor suggests steps, tasks, and roles the learners should perform to complete the task.
- Evaluation: An assessment of the final results of the Quest - usually using a rubric.
- Conclusion: Encourages students to summarize the experience, reflect on the process, and generalize what was learned.
- Teacher's Page: Provides information to other instructors who might want to use the same WebQuest.
WebQuests
What are the educational uses and benefits?
Critical Thinking
- Students must synthesize information into a cohesive unit thus developing thinking skills.
Motivation
- Can motivate students to participate in class activities.
Participation
- Provides cooperative learning activities in a distance learning or face to face classroom.
- Provides hands on and interactive learning activities.
Research
- Students have the opportunity to review the quality of resources on the Web.
WebQuests
How do I get started?
Introduction
- Write an introductory paragraph that will orient the student to the lesson. For example, motivational statement, case study, scenario, and so on.
Task
- Describe what will be the end result of the activity.
- Problem to be solved, Product to be designed, Position to defend, etc.
- Require the student to apply information to new situations.
- Include any pertinent information such as specific tools the students must use, and any steps that the student is required to take.
Process
- Describe the process by which the student must participate in the WebQuest. For example if the students must view a set of links prior to beginning.
- Provide some guidance on how the information the students gather must be organized.
Evaluation
- Describe how the students will be evaluated. WebQuests are generally graded using a rubric.
Conclusion
- Summarize what the students should have accomplished or learned at the conclusion of the activity.
- Possibly include some questions or links for additional information or to check knowledge.
WebQuests
Where can I learn more?
- WebQuest News: A forum dedicated to news and views about the WebQuest lesson model.
- WebQuest Presentation: A brief PowerPoint style presentation on conducting WebQuests.
- Wikipedia - WebQuest: A detailed description and examples of WebQuests.
- What WebQuests Are (Really): An article discussing the theoretical basis of WebQuests, the educational benefit, and how to conduct a Webquest.
- Why WebQuests: An article discussing why an instructor would use a WebQuest as a learning activity.
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