Explanation and components

1. What is a Webquest?

2. “A Webquest is an inquiry-oriented activity
in which some or all of the information that
learners interact with comes from resources
on the internet“ Dodge, 1995

3.  Webquests are activities using Internet resources which encourage
students to use their thinking skills in order to carry out a project.
 Students have to use the information constructively by
analysing,criticising and assessing it rather than
just copying and pasting material into an assignment or project.
 Students don’t have to search the Internet looking for information,
without a clear purpose in mind. The teachers have already done it,
including different links concerning the topic.
 Webquests promote 21st century skills. Students work collaboratively
and use technology so as to create their work and present it to their
peers

4.  Webquests are a good way to:
- let students with different ability levels work together or
individually
and at their own pace
- allow them to discover for themselves
- help students become more creative about their final task
- make learning interesting by offering a different and a more
dynamic approach
- motivate students and make them get involved in their own
process of learning
- let students with different points of view learn from one another

5. Essential components
There are six essential components of a Webquest used in order to
structure the activity and organise students:
 Introduction
The situation, topic or problem to solve is presented here. It should
be interesting in order to draw students attention and make them
become involved.
For example:

6.  Task
It is drawn from the introduction and sets out the goal. Students
are told about the assignment they will carry out: a powerpoint
presentation, a web page, a blog, a play etc.

7.  Process
A description of the process the students shoud go through in
their assignment. It is described step by step and students are
given different roles.
Resources which are necessary for the task are included here,
most of them will be from Internet links.

8.  Evaluation
An explanation about how the students will be assessed. It is
usually a Rubric, frequently designed by the teacher.

9.  Conclusion
It is a reflection on what students have been working on. It is
focussed on what they have achieved and learnt.

10.  Teacher’s guide
It gives useful information to other teachers.It usually contains.
- A description of the grade level of students
- The main goals of the Webquest
- Implementation strategies
- Relevant information regarding the topic.

11. Bibliography
• http://www.isabelperez.com/webquest/index.htm#all
• http://www.teachersfirst.com/summer/webquest/quest-b.shtml
• http://www.webquestblog.com/
• http://www.webquestdirect.com.au/whatis_awq.asp
• http://es.geocities.com/middleageswomen/end.htm