discussion 4:: webquests

I have heard of Webquests before, but I never knew that they were specifically structured in the way that is listed. I simply thought that webquests were tasks that were planned and structured by the teachers to be a different type of learning experience by the students. That being said, this is truly a different type of learning experience. I think a webquest, when properly planned and coordinated, could be the definition for an authentic educational experience. The Webquest should be designed in a way that the user can define the assignment in the way that will benefit him/her the best. The activity has requirements and specific tasks, but the actual learning experience is actually “constructed” by the learner. These types of tasks create memorable and exciting learning experiences. This will serve the learner well by expanding himself/herself as a person and serve the instructor well by allowing the learners to grasp concepts, learn content, and also be creative while doing so.

Not every assignment or task can be done by using Webquests. I’m not very well versed on many specific ones, but it seems that many subjects lack quests or quest-able material. What do you guys think? These quests can (and should) take extra planning and many teachers may not be willing, or know how to create these types of activities. The instructors must be knowledgeable about the content, be knowledgeable about available technology, and be knowledgeable about sites and resources that are available online. The teacher must also check periodically to make sure that the sites are still online and are up-to-date. I can think back to activities that I would have liked to use a Webquest as a Computer Discovery teacher. I would have especially liked to use one for the introduction of the insides of a computer. This could have made this topic very interesting. I think that Webquests can really shine when they are supplemented by other types of instruction and supported by things outside of the web. Authentic educational experiences must be relevant to real life and find a place within the learner’s world. If this experience is to do that, then it must connect with the learner on a personal level and not just be a “fun” task. Not everyone will think a task is fun just because the instructor does. I’ve seen this a million times in my own classroom as I know you probably have.

Overall, I’m very glad to have this re-acquaintance with Webquests and I will definitely look for ways that I can implement them into any type of learning experience that I will be creating.