What is a WebQuestWebQuest?

Inquiry-based learningStudent-centeredCombines instructional strategiesUses and processes information Can be short-term or long-termOrganized in a specific way that has become universal

Web Quests in 21st Century LearningWeb Quests in 21st Century LearningReaching more students successfully

Web Quests in 21st Century LearningWeb Quests in 21st Century LearningReaching more students successfully

WebQuest format:WebQuest format:•Introduction•Task•Resources•Process•Evaluation•Conclusion

Teacher's Guide(optional)

EXAMPLE:EXAMPLE:

“Literary Fan Club”http://itdc.sbcss.k12.ca.us/curriculum/literaryfanclub.html

Inquiry-Based Learning

Web Quests in 21st Century LearningWeb Quests in 21st Century LearningReaching more students successfully

Focus students' inquiry on questions that are challenging and have to be solvedTeach students specific procedures and strategies in the process of solving the quest (i.e., metacognition and problem solving) Include opportunities for students to access information that is essential to the inquiry Give students opportunities to work with peers (cooperative learning)Help students develop competencies while completing a sequence of activitiesProvides the opportunity for performance/presentation Involve students in the process of deriving the standards for performance Rely on authentic assessment of learning

WebQuests

Web Quests in 21st Century LearningWeb Quests in 21st Century LearningReaching more students successfully

Student-Centered:

Students play a roleNot text book drivenTeacher as facilitatorChoosing themes that have meaning to studentsHave a stake in the presentation and set up their own criteria

““Rewriting Romeo and Juliet ” ” http://www.richmond.edu/~ed344/webquests/shakespeare/

•Cross-curricular

English

Drama/Film

Social Studies - cultural studies

•Meaningful learningComprehension and transferable knowledge

•Multi-media presentation Greater retention

An example of how a WebQuest is student-centered:An example of how a WebQuest is student-centered:

•Working in a team

Cooperative Learning:Cooperative Learning:

The Internet in the 21st Century SchoolThe Internet in the 21st Century SchoolThe Why and How for Success for All

Business model (Knowledge Management) AND life-long learning

•Social skills

•Learn how to deal with constructive feedback

•Learn how to reach a consensus

•Awareness of their contribution (reflection sheet)

•Learn about different jobs and roles

•Listening skills

•Verbal skills

•Appreciate diversity

Enthusiasm

Motivation

Expressing opinions

Talking about frustrations

Reflection

Affective LearningAffective Learning::

The Internet in the 21st Century SchoolThe Internet in the 21st Century SchoolThe Why and How for Success for All

Web Quests in 21st Century LearningWeb Quests in 21st Century LearningReaching more students successfully

Learning stylesLearning styles - speaks to all types of learners

TactileAuditoryVisual

Working on students’ on strengths and weaknesses (E.g. WebQuests for at-risk students project)

Web Quests in 21st Century LearningWeb Quests in 21st Century LearningReaching more students successfully

Where to begin:Where to begin:

Get together with other teachers Combine strengths and expertise

Explore Web Quests that are already available

Don’t duplicate it if you don’t have to

Assess your students’ needs (Multiple Intelligences etc.)

Start slow E.g. Nine Reasons to Use the Internet

Created byCreated by Sabine Cossette:

•Consultant in information communication technologies (ICT) for the English Montreal School Board (EMSB)

•EMSB office:

6000 Fielding Ave. Montreal, Quebec H3X 1T4 Telephone: (514) 483-7346 Fax: (514) 483-7246 Email: scossette@emsb.qc.ca