Webquests as a Teaching Tool
Old school educators cringe at the thought of using computers in classrooms. However, by refusing to employ technology centered learning, teachers cheat students of skills needed in life and a wealth of information about a vast array of topics. To comprehend a student’s world and frame of reference, educators must become familiar with what the Internet has to offer, educational or not. Professor Bernie Dodge developed a way for teachers to educate themselves while designing interactive, structured lesson plans. He combined learning with basic computer operation and Web surfing, and called it a Webquest. Teachers and parents realize that not all information on the Web is suitable for youngsters, but teachers must dispel some myths before fully utilizing the Internet. The first myth is the Web as simply a huge encyclopedia. Encyclopedias are organized, researched, and written by professionals. The Web is chaotic, full of opinions, and information can come from anywhere, more like real life. The second myth, the Web as an information superhighway, is a small part of its function. The Web is people and id
8) Persuasion tasks-require students to convince an external audience of their group’s decision from a Consensus Building task. Webquests provide many examples, encompassing lots of information, and many opinions to encourage higher-level thinking. Students connect data encountered on the Web to prior knowledge and build new knowledge. Scaffolding, smaller steps towards a higher-level thought process, such as sub-tasks, build connections to student concerns. Students cannot answer the central question of a Webquest simply by collecting and restating information, it must be processed and cross-referenced to other data. Webquests are powerful in affecting student cooperation and motivation as well as development of thinking and problem solving skills. Webquests start with a central question, students must understand and draw on problem solving skills and information the teacher has selected. Relevant tasks are authentic and furnish motivation to join a community of learners researching the issue. Next, Webquests utilize real resources. Interactive computers are more engaging, and thus motivating, then
Some topics in this essay:
Webquest Teachers,
Consensus Building,
Webquest Dodge,
,
Dodge Webquest,
Bernie Dodge,
Creative Product,
Teacher Page,
myth web,
central question,
solving skills,
higher-level thinking,
consensus building,
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Approximate Word count = 754
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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