Web-Enhanced Learning ActivitiesAn Instructional Design Workshop

WebQuests: An Overview

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop

What is a WebQuest?

An inquiry-based activity developed by Bernie Dodge and Tom March in 1995 at the San Diego State University

Learners create knowledge products (e.g., report, poster, magazine) out of information found on the Web and in other sources

Targets higher order thinking skills: analysis, synthesis, evaluation

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop

1. Introduction: sets the stage/ establishes the context (creative and motivational)

2. Task: a doable and interesting “mission”; revolves around an open-ended question

3. Process: detailed, sequential steps that students must follow to accomplish the task

Elements of a WebQuest

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop

4. Resources: Web and other resources for students to use in order to be able to accomplish the task

5. Evaluation: explains to students how their work will be evaluated

6. Conclusion: closing statement

Elements of a WebQuest

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop

It promotes cooperative learning. Learners work in groups. Each member has a role to play;

roles complement each other. Learners learn that no one knows

everything.

Why Do a WebQuest?

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop

It promotes authentic learning. A real-world problem must be solved creatively

(no set answers). Learners work with real resources. Learners’ outputs have a real audience (the

output is published).

Why Do a WebQuest?

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop

It promotes learning through guided experience. The task is broken down into sub-tasks

(Process). Examples are provided. The activity is linked to previous lessons. Learners act as novices working with real

experts.

Why Do a WebQuest?

Web-Enhanced Learning Activities An Instructional Design Workshop

It develops information literacy and higher order thinking skills.

It promotes reading and writing across the curriculum.

It promotes reflective learning through self-assessment (and peer evaluation).

Why Do a WebQuest?