Webquests and Project Based Learning

What is a webquest?

A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web. These can be created using various programs, including a simple word processing document that includes links to websites.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webquest


All webquests have 5 parts:

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Resources
• Evaluation
• Conclusion

They provide a scaffolding of learning with:

       resource links
       a compelling problem or task
       templates for student products
       guidance on cognitive and social skills

The model was developed by Bernie Dodge at San Diego State University in February, 1995.

Kathy Schrock's revised graphic of Bloom's Taxonomy shows the "Cogs of Cognition" are entwined.  Project based learning and webquests take our learners beyond a basic understanding and enhance higher order thinking.

Webquest Examples

Bernie Dodge's site

Zunal is a free service that walks you through the process of creating a web quest. It also has a matrix to search for a plethora of webquests that other teachers have created.

Kathy Schrock's Authentic Learning:

EMINTS Webquests made by teachers.

Best of the WebQuests

In project based learning the teacher becomes the facilitator.  Training in the medical profession  is a good example of this type of learning.  Project Lead The Way , a STEM based curriculum is another wonderful example.   

In the news this morning, Battle of the Brains would also be project based and have the real world component.   Students are competing for $50,000 for their school and to have their entry be the next exhibit at Science City. 

A few of my old projects:  Orphan Trains and  Survivor Webquest and Australia Connection