WebQuests

Find it first!

WebQuests

At once challenging and enriching for learners, a WebQuest (WQ) is a high stakes pupil centered teaching tool developed by Bernie Dodge.

WQ?

No need to look like you have seen a chameleon smoking a pipe! It is exactly what it says: a quest on the web. You prefer a bookish explanation?  A WQ is a specific inquiry-based learning process where most, if not all, information required by learners to complete a task is, of course, on the internet! Learners have to find it. That's the quest.

Now, hold on! Don't get too excited, yet. It's not a holiday passport. Far from it. WQs are input intensive, but once done, you can relax while your students are up to their ears in the web. Just ensure that tasks are doable, interestingly adult-like and match learner capacities. Cognitive improper fractions are forbidden and counter-productive. Before we proceed, let's hear form the horse's mouth. Here is What Bernie Dodge has to say:

Making your own WQ

WQ Overview

Easy, in half a dozen steps.  Because WQs usually require students to collaborate in groups, clear guidance is imperative. This model captures the long and the short of WQs. 

Let's unpack it:

• Introduction: gives background information on the topic and often introduces key vocabulary and concepts which learners need to understand to complete tasks.
• Task: explains what learners have to do precisely. It should be highly motivating; intrinsically interesting for learners, and firmly rooted in a real-life scenario inspiring substantial role-play. 
• Information sources: clickable websites that learners explore to complete tasks.
• Process: step by step guide to activities and research tasks based on predefined information sources. It should culminate in a product.
• Evaluation: learners self-evaluate by comparing and contrasting their products and reflecting on what they learnt; teacher does a process based evaluation of the same.
• Conclusion: reflection and summation on experiences and products in order to extend and generalize what was learned.

Sample WQ

Let's literally kill two birds with one stone. Here is a sample WQ  that I selected form yhe internet especially for you. Let's see if you can notice why it's good for you!

 

Sample WQ

Essential Guideline

• Establish topic area(s) and 'end products.
• Find appropriate web resources: content and linguistic level.
• Sort resources according to task stages.
• Design the process - tasks, resources, lexical areas, grammatical areas.
• Design evaluation stages and concepts.

Some great tips on using WQs can be here. Remember, you are no anesthetist and WQs are not sedatives. Inspire learners!

Why WQs?

Because they are wholesome: communicative, collaborative, creative and critical. A perfect 21st century cognitive diet. These are the hallmarks of a fast-paced reality that demands multi-tasking and creative networking. We are in the business of nourishing the future. Don't foul it. Among a plethora of benefits are the following:

• WQs increase student motivation because tasks are often authentic.
• Students use real timely resources not date texts.
• They are cooperative in nature and require role distribution fostering accountability among learners.
• They often involve some level of evaluation which fosters critical and higher order thinking skills in learners.
• Learners gain greater competency in using technology.

A word of caution

WQs are all good, but as with all new stuff, do not throw learners into the deep end. You want to gently ease them into the business of being little adults. There's a bit of fine print to WQs which can be treacherous quicksands. Note the following:

• WQs aren't ideal for factual recall, simple procedures, or definitions related tasks.
• WQs are time vampires, plan carefully.
• Learners need your coaching, brace for it.
• Expect teething issues with WQ novices.
• Source links can become unavailable without warning.
• Ensure learners are safe on-line.
• Internet access can be an issue in contexts where it is not readily available. You can get around this by teaming up students that can work together or using mobile network data connections.

Don't despair; there are many ready made WQs on the web, but always check for copyright restrictions before downloading. Intellectual theft is a crime! Here are some freebies:

• Webquest Samples
• www.zunal.com
• www.webquest.org
• www.questgarden.org

 As always, ladies and gentlemen, until next week, be creative! Do share your highs and lows with us, don't be selfish. We would love hear how you fare with WQs.