As an EFL teacher, I've been looking for effective ways to engage my learners and help them to become more autonomous. Research has proven that the internet is a valuable source of language resources and also an excellent tool for students to find information and apply it in their learning process. Webquests, which are tools that make use of these internet resources, are becoming more and more popular.
What is a WebQuest?
“WebQuest” is the name given to an instructional model for web-based learning projects that draw on information and communication resources on the Internet. According to Dodge (2006), the instructional design of WebQuests is based on the principles of constructivism and is sometimes referred to as inquiry-based learning. The constructivist approach emphasizes the role of students as the main agents of learning.
The activities planned in a WebQuest allow students to use the Internet to acquire new knowledge and apply it to complete the task. Dodge (2004) proposes six steps or building blocks to be carried out by the learners which include:
- an introduction
- a task
- resources
- the process
- an evaluation
- a conclusion
The introduction contains background information for the WebQuest. The task is a description of the activity. The process provides step-by-step instructions for the learners to follow in order to complete the task. The resources include links to the Internet resources that the learners will use throughout the task. The evaluation informs the learners how their task will be assessed in the form of a checklist. The conclusion brings closure to the task and enables the learners to reflect upon what they have learned through the WebQuest (Dodge, 2004).
It has been claimed that technology, particularly WebQuests, can provide opportunities for collaboration and the practice of integrated language skills such as reading, writing, and speaking (Blachowicz, Beyersdorfer & Fisher, 2006). Research also emphasizes the benefits of WebQuest for EFL learners as they foster real communication while the learners complete the tasks. Moreover, they are exposed to authentic material and meaningful content
Click on the following link to access a template I have adapted from the work of a colleague in wakelet.com https://wke.lt/w/s/H-j0Eu
Bibliography
Blachowicz, C.L.Z, Beyersdorfer, J. & Fisher, P. (2006). Vocabulary development and technology: Teaching and transformation. In M. McKenna, L. Labbo, R. Kieffer, D. Reinking (Eds.). International Handbook of Literacy and Technology (pp. 341-348). Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
Dodge, B. (2004). The WebQuest page: Site overview. Retrieved from http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquestrubric.html
Dodge, B. (2006). The WebQuest Page. Retrieved from http://webquest.sdsu.edu/overview.html
