Webquests and Online Learning Modules

Online Modules and Webquest are provide a way of setting up research tasks which involve the Internet and the use of higher level thinking and problem solving. The difference between the two different terms Webquests and On-line Modules is mainly that they were developed by different people but the term webquest is becoming far more popular.

On-line Research Modules

On-line Research Modules were developed by Jamie McKenzie.

Online Research Modules:

• Use the Internet a resource tool
• Involve students in higher level critical thinking
• Provide a highly structured research task
• Provide students with important questions which require original thought to answer
• Involve team work
• Involve the research cycle
  

Webquests

The WebQuest model was originally developed in 1995 by Bernie Dodge and Tom March at San Diego State University.

Webquests:

• Use the vast resources of the Internet
• Involve student-centred problem-solving tasks
• Require collaborative work by students on a real life task
• Provide a framework and structure for the research
• Enhance critical thinking
• Have an established design template

The design of the webquest will often follow the format below:
(run mouse over items below for more information)

If roll overs don't work click here for Webquest design

All about Webquests and Online Learning Modules

Examine these links - Background, Designing and Examples

Background

• The Question is the Answer - Jamie Mckenzie
• From Now On Education Technology Journal - Jamie McKenzie
• Learning using the Web
• The Webquest Page Bernie Dodge
• Ozline.com - All about webquests - Bernie Dodge and Tom March
• A WebQuest About WebQuests - Bernie Dodge
  

Designing

• Filamentality - Tom March
• Building Blocks of a WebQuest
• WebQuests: A Strategy for Scaffolding Higher Level Learning
• FOCUS Five Rules for Writing a Great WebQuest
• Webquest Template
• WebQuest Taskonomy:A Taxonomy of Tasks
  

Examples of Wequests and Online Learning Modules

• CAP NSW Online Modules
• Bunyips NLA
• Webquest Matrix of Examples
• Australian Webquests
• Wired Learning
• Filamentality - Tom March
• Port Macquarie TTC
• The Titanic
• The Guilded Age Webquest
• Extra Extra Read all about it - A Webquest on the Great Gatsby
• Amazon Food Web
• Australian Animals
• CyberScience Magazine

Thinking skills that a longer term WebQuest activity might require include these (from Marzano, 1992):
1. Comparing: Identifying and articulating similarities
and differences between things.
2. Classifying: Grouping things into definable categories on
the basis of their attributes.
3. Inducing: Inferring unknown generalizations or
principles from observations or analysis.
4. Deducing: Inferring unstated consequences and
conditions from given principles and
generalizations.
5. Analyzing errors: Identifying and articulating errors in one's
own or others' thinking.
6. Constructing support: Constructing a system of support or proof
for an assertion.
7. Abstraction: Identifying and articulating the underlying
theme or general pattern of information.
8. Analyzing perspectives: Identifying and articulating personal
perspectives about issues.