WebQuesting Considerations

A WebQuest is an activity that has the learner use internet resources to find, integrate, and present new knowledge. It should incorporate higher-order thinking skills rather than be merely a regurgitation of information from the web.

There are many aspects to consider when designing or using computer-based instructional objects with students. The text must be at their reading level, or they must have a way to have the text read out loud to them (such as a screen reader). The organization must be clear and straight forward so they are not spending time figuring out what they need to do or what steps to take. The technology available to the learner must be able to handle all components of the instructional object. For example, it would be unnecessarily laborious for a student to complete a WebQuest with dial-up internet, or to have to use an incompatible browser, such as Netscape (do they still make that?). The instructional object must also be interesting and engaging to the specific learners. (I would likely choose a different WebQuest for 10 year old boys than 14 year old girls!)

I have found several worthwhile WebQuests that would be appropriate for my students (5th and 6th grade struggling learners). The first is entitled "Business and Learning Plan for Classroom Pet." I like this WebQuest because it will be interesting and motivating for a wide range of ages and abilities, and it could easily be tailored to struggling or advanced students. It also includes many of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences, as some of the learner roles include Economist (math intelligence), Care Specialist (interpersonal intelligence), and Habitat Specialist (nature or visual intelligence).

Another WebQuest I could use is entitled "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" The premise is that the learner is transported back to the 17th century and must invite famous people to dinner, including authentic food, decorations, clothing, and conversation. This WebQuest could easily be changed to focus on any time period, and also includes a wide range of student interests. I like that the students also get a chance to actually present their findings in the form of a role-play of the dinner party they design!

Another worthwhile WebQuest is entitled "The Value of Life: Living Forever." By focusing on the characters from the book "Tuck Everlasting," learners explore the pros and cons of living forever. I like that the students get to take multiple perspectives on an issue, which is a genuine life skill. The design of this WebQuest is also simple and straight-forward, which is an important element to consider when working with very distractible learners!