Teacher Guide
The Webquest
I wrote this webquest in 2005 and based it on the original webquest model developed by Bernie Dodge and Tom March. At that stage a number of teachers at my school were investigating webquests.
What is a webquest?
"A webquest is an inquiry oriented lesson format in which most or all of the information that learners work with comes from the web"
A definition of a webquest, from Tom March.
In essence, a webquest is built around a real world, authentic task. This wequest follows the original model by including:
- Introduction....prior knowledge
- Task...introducing the big question where students take on the role of traveller to China.
- Process... using the web to gather facts and build concepts.
- Real world feedback....assessment, reflections and an online chat with real world experts.
By completing this webquest I would like students to achieve the following goals and deep understandings.
- develop an interest in, and understanding of, China.
- develop knowledge about the significance of major cultural and historic sites in China.
- critically evaluate their own perceptions of other cultures.
- evaluate the benefits of travel in terms of broadening our understanding, acceptance and respect of cultural difference.
- use their judgement about China's tourist and cultural attractions and apply that understanding by creatively compiling either a series of postcards, or a travel blog, that demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the purpose of these forms of communication.
- make an informed decision about how to make the most of a holiday in China.
- plan a three week holiday itinerary.
- use the collaborative tools of a LMS to interact, reflect, brainstorm and provide peer feedback.