Creating a WebQuest: A Constructivist Approach to Learning
What is a WebQuest?
Before I had any idea about creating a WebQuest, I found the word to be a bit adventurous. No matter what it meant, I was sure to learn how to create one. I was not wrong in my perception; it is indeed a concept full of adventure.
A WebQuest is an inquiry-based learning tool that enhances learners’ autonomy and promotes collaboration. It supplements classroom instruction while giving learners access to various resources beyond the classroom.
In a WebQuest, students learn about a subject matter by surfing through various resources on the World Wide Web. This point brings up one question- Is it ideal to let young learners surf the internet on their own? Students are likely to come across undesirable content, and that is why it is the teacher’s duty to provide them with the necessary web resources. That way, they can focus on the task at hand rather than searching.
How to Create a WebQuest
Before creating a WebQuest, teachers need to understand the steps involved and create their WebQuest accordingly. A WebQuest consists of five steps:
· Introduction
· Task
· Process
· Evaluation
· Conclusion
Introduction
Here, the teacher gives an overview of what the quest is all about. In other words, students get a glimpse into the topic of the WebQuest and what is generally expected of them.
· Task
This part contains a specific breakdown of what the students are expected to do at the end of the WebQuest. It explains the assignment in clearer terms. WebQuests are often given as group work, so this part spells out what the students should do during and after the quest. A WebQuest designed for a class of English learners for example could require them to come up with a story after accessing resources on the elements of story writing.
· Process
This is the heart of the quest. It is where the teacher provides the steps to follow as well as the links to websites that will help the learners at every step of the quest. It is advised to take individual differences into consideration in this aspect. This means the teacher should not focus on including just links to articles on the subject matter; video links may also be included for audio-visual learners.
· Evaluation
In this section, an assessment rubric is included for students to see how the quest will be evaluated. The rationale behind adding this part is so that students see the criteria that determine their grades and work in accordance with them.
· Conclusion
You are set to send out the link to your WebQuest, but before then, you want to conclude in the best way you deem fit. Personally, this part is where I commend my students for sailing through the previous steps in the quest and I pass information on the next steps to take after completing the WebQuest. There is no one-size-fits-all, it is your call to decide your manner of conclusion. After completing the steps above, create a link to your WebQuest and forward it to your students.
Check WebQuest examples for different subjects.
How is WebQuest Based on the Constructivist Approach?
Based on Constructivism, a learner-centered approach that suggests that learners actively build knowledge autonomously, WebQuest facilitates experiential learning and hands-on problem-solving in the classroom.
The Constructivist Approach suggests that learning is a social process where learners learn from one another and collaborate to get things done. When students work in groups to carry out a WebQuest, they learn and hone skills their interpersonal skills.
Moreover, the teacher serves as a facilitator when creating a WebQuest, while the students process information and connect the dots on their own. This further drives home the constructivist belief that learners should be given more control over their learning.
Where to Create a WebQuest
You can create your WebQuest using Microsoft Word, but there are also templates online for creating one. You could check out the following and choose the one you find most suitable.
· https://www.bookwidgets.com/
· http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=76850
· https://www.createwebquest.com/
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating a WebQuest enhances learners’ autonomy and helps their people skills. It is a great tool that should be employed in the classroom. And to make it serve the intended purpose, teachers should not just learn how to create a WebQuest but should pay attention to the resources included in the creation of the WebQuest.