WebQuest Instructional Model

WebQuest Explained

          Bernie Dodge is considered a creator of the WebQuest concept. He is quoted as saying a WebQuest “is an inquiry-oriented activity in which the information used by learners is drawn from the Web. WebQuests are designed to use learners’ time well, to focus on using information rather than on looking for it, and to support learners’ thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation” (as cited by Starr, Education World, 2000).  A WebQuest is created by the teacher for students to use independently or within small groups. There are several components that should be included in a WebQuest; Introduction, Task, Process, Evaluation, Conclusion, and Credits. Most times you will also see a link to a Teacher Page that will provide further information for the teacher using the WebQuest. Using a WebQuest is beneficial to teachers and students because most of the work is set up ahead of time, and students are pointed in the direction of accurate information rather than spending a lot of time and energy browsing the Web on their own.

WebQuests Relationship to Learning Theories            

          This instructional model lends itself to the Constructivist Learning Theory. Under Vygotsky’s theory of learning, Harasim (2012) states, “the more advanced peer or teacher (or parent) supports the learner by providing the tools (language, concepts) needed to advance and eventually achieve the learner’s intended goal” (p. 68). With a WebQuest, the teacher is providing the necessary tools to reach a goal without providing the intended outcome to the student. Students use the WebQuest to learn and create a product or solve a problem.

Examples of WebQuests

          There are many examples of WebQuests available on the Web today. Many teachers, at sometime or another will have to create one either for a class they are taking, or for use within the classroom. Websites like QuestGarden.com and TeacherWeb.com offer users the ability to search for existing WebQuests or to create your own. QuestGarden does require a membership, however, there is a free one month trial subscription for which you can apply.

Helpful Links

QuestGarden - http://questgarden.com/ This website allows you to create your own WebQuests or browse the selection of WebQuests created by other educators. Bernie Dodge and his team over at San Diego State University have created this website. There is a subscription fee if you would like to create and edit personal WebQuests, however, you can sign up for one month of free browsing and creating. You do not need a subscription to browse the many examples available here. 

Zunal - http://zunal.com/ This is another great website with hundreds of  WebQuests. This website also offers users the ability to create WebQuests. 

TeacherWeb - http://teacherweb.com/tweb/WebQuests.aspx As with the first two links, users can create and share WebQuests from the collection. Original production of WebQuests is also an included feature. 

WebQuest Design Process - http://webquest.org/sdsu/designsteps/index.html This link provides step by step instructions for creating your own WebQuests. 

References

Harasim, L. M. (2012). Learning theory and online technologies. New York, NY: Routledge.

Starr, L. (2000). Creating a WebQuest: It's Easier Than You Think. Education World. Retrieved 

          from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech011.shtml