Day 4: WebQuests, Copyright and Ethics Issues

WebQuests are web-based lessons that cut across the curriculum and actively engage learners in several unique ways. First, WebQuests allow learners to explore on their own or in small groups as they seek knowledge and understanding of a certain topic. This exploration allows students to actively construct knowledge in a way that promotes cooperative learning and critical thinking. In addition, a classroom rich in the use of technology provides students with skills that are becoming more and more in demand.
Second, WebQuests involve reflection, collaboration, cooperation, social skills such as consensus-building skills, open minded thinking, multiculturalism, problem-solving, and an interdisciplinary approach to learning. They promote active involvement and learning that leads students to use reasoning skills not learned through memorization of specific facts, but rather developed from engaging in a problem-based process and applying both past experience and a wide variety of Internet information to the WebQuest outcome.
The components of a WebQuest are as follows:

Introduction: Introduces the topic and raises student interest in the lesson.
The Task: A description of what will be accomplished.
The Process: Suggested steps to accomplish the lesson.
Resources: A list of WebPages that can be used to complete the lesson.
Evaluation: Typically completing using an evaluation rubric.
Conclusion: A summary of the learner’s experiences.
Reflection: Learners reflect on aspects of the WebQuest they found most useful.
Extension: Additional opportunities in and outside of the classroom.
Notes to the Teacher: The goals and objectives of the WebQuest.