WEBQUEST (task)

During this week, we had to look for what a Webquest is and what it is for.

According to this website (http://edweb.sdsu.edu/WebQuest/overview.htm) A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web. 

Now, according to that definition,  WebQuests are designed to use learners' time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and to support learners' thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

after I read some advantages and disadvantages of webquest, I found that some of them are:

Advantages:

• Students assume the role that allows them to investigate an issue through their view. The students are more responsible for the own learning therefore they construct a deeper understanding of the content.
• Student’s ca gain access to webquest sites at home so they can work on the task at home.
• It’s something different. Students get to use technology, which they like, and they can zone in on sites to look for information rather than search the net aimlessly.

Disadvantages:

• Have to ensure task required is actually beneficial. Questionable educational benefit in having students surfing the nest without a meaningful task in the mind.
• Webquests can take a considerable amount of class time, especially when students can’t get access from home.
• Students can get bored doing the same thing with the content, reading it and then writing answers.
• Can get easily distracted using the web.

As a conclusion, I would like to mention that it depends on each student since they are the ones who are going to investigate and take this role. Also, as one of the disadvantages mentions, students get easily distracted and this can be a trouble in their progress.

the following link is a good example of a webquest ( for learning English a Second Language).

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/webquests/index.html