The role of WeQuests in learning a foreign/second language?

WebQuest was developed by Bernie Dodge is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all the information that a learner interact with comes from resources on the internet. It is constructed into an arranged pattern starting with the introduction that explain the WebQuest and gives the purpose of the project or task. The next part is the task that explains what students will do. Then the process is a list of what to do and how to do it. Here teachers add list of links for the student to follow to complete the task. Evaluation comes next, the way to evaluate student’s performance. Last is the conclusion which sumps up the task and encourages students to reflect and discuss on the task.

In WebQuest, learning is usually student-oriented where teacher integrates technology into his/her language classroom and takes the role of facilitator/adviser by encouraging students to be connected and involved. In addition, teacher provides Web resources and ideas to guide the students. WebQuest encourages cooperative/collaborative learning; hence students take up roles that contribute to problem-solving through group work. Depending on the Webquest students can take roles, such as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist etc. They will also feel active and enjoy their time in the classroom environment.

One essential feature of WebQuest is that it is Project-based which increases student motivation because the tasks given are usually created to reflect real world issues. The students use interesting real and recent resources instead of traditional textbooks or materials which makes it more fascinating and it also supports higher level thinking because the questions requires student to research, compare, analyze, induce etc. rather than just bringing information.

 

As a future language EFL teacher I will use Webquest with my future EFL students because it seems to be a good tool to enhance various language skills. I will use WebQuest to build a good connection between the students as well as myself and the students. Lastly, in order to encourage my student to open their minds and be independent.