Creating a WebQuest: It’s Easier Than You Think

This article published in Education World, discusses what WebQuests are and what benefits they bring to classrooms. The answers in a WebQuest are not predefined, and students must use their own creative thinking and problem-solving skills to find solutions to problems. This keeps them interested and actively learning. When students work on a WebQuest, they are using critical thinking skills in communication, group work, problem solving. WebQuests allow students “to explore issues and find their own answers” (Education).

Some WebQuests are better planned than others, and it is important to carefully check out the WebQuest before you integrate it into your classroom activities. Make sure that any links on the WebQuest work. Look for the best WebQuests that ensure relevance by being specifically tailored to your curriculum and your students.

According to Bernie Dodge, who runs a thorough WebQuest, there are six building blocks of a good WebQuest:

1. The Introduction orients students and captures their interest.
2. The Task describes the activity’s end product.
3. The Process explains strategies students should use to complete the task.
4. The Resources are the Web sites students will use to complete the task.
5. The Evaluation measures the results of the activity.
6. The Conclusion sums up the activity and encourages students to reflect on its process and results.

This is a great article for anyone just learning how to set up a good WebQuest. In addition to the building blocks stated above, it takes you through the design process. It has links to each step, and it provides additional resources about WebQuests. I will keep this as one reference to use when setting up WebQuests for my future classes.