We can view a Webquest as a small, electronic teacher. Nowadays, Webquests are used by high-class museums, K12 schools and university environments to provide effective and enhanced learning with the help of computer technology. Latest technology tools have enabled Webquests to be searched through websites and other online sources. Webquests provide learners with a set of opportunities to solve difficult problems, challenging tasks, or puzzling scenarios thus facilitating learning with entertainment.
WebQuest is a stand alone learning process:
WebQuest is an inquiry oriented online activity where most of the research information is provided to the student to use and construct on. This model of learning utilizes learners’ time effectively and makes them focus well on using the available information rather than investing a lot of time in research. This leads to supporting learners’ thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. This learning model was thought and designed in early 1995 at San Diego State University by Berine Dodge with Tom March.
WebQuest is a virtual learning environments:
Webquests are inquiry based learning objects that provide self-directed learning; they can be used as stand alone learning objects or can be parts of the blended learning initiatives by the teachers in a class or virtual environments.
Ideally, Webquests are comprehensive interactive learning objects which create critical thinking, coworking, team-oriented, communication and diplomacy skills besides providing learning to the learners.
Webquests can cover a variety of topics targeting different learning styles and age groups.
The use of WebQuest is to plan and implement learning experiences, using teacher-identified relevant and credible web sites enabling the students to work confidently.
Research has been carried out to evaluate the effects of WebQuest usage by elementary and middle grade students on student learning and motivation They revealed encouraging findings that strengthen the case for WebQuests to be used as a supplement to regular classroom instruction.
Many similar researchers have been conducted worldwide that have paved the way for the webquests to be used as learning enhancements covering various subject areas right from the primary education to the university level of education.
