Webquests

Webquests are a form of web based learning activities. They are most commonly inquiry based experiences and involve a sequence of tasks relating to a topic which can be completed primarily on the internet. Although these WebQuests do take quite a lot of time to create they are interesting and innovative learning tools which allow students to progress through activities at their own pace.

Last year a friend and I created a Webquest using WebquestDirect (2009) for an assignment. It was quite a time consuming process as we were still trying to learn the ins and outs of the creation process. However, it was a great learning experience for us and I certainly learnt alot about how these programs can be implemented in the classroom.

I can see that Webquests would not always be appropriate for classroom use, and would be more effective with middle and upper primary students. Although I do feel that if a class were to complete at least one Webquest per year would provide both a new and an interesting form of assessment and experience for the students, whilst not consuming too much of the teachers time to prepare it.

WebQuests are an innovative way of learning through the use of ICTs, and I feel that, when appropriately administered in a classroom, would certainly maximise the engagement and involvement of all students.

WebQuest Direct. (2009). WebQuest Direct. Retrieved 20 August, 2009 from www.webquestdirect.com.au