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.

Evaluating esl- lab website

We choose esl-lab.com which is owned by Randall Davis. He has B.A in Spanish education and master’s degree in TESL. He provided source on the left side of the site where both teachers and students can find information about the website as well as how to contact him. In the terms of use he made mentioned that his site is free to use online, but there are limitations on how the materials can and cannot be used unless one obtains a license. All materials at Randall's ESL are copyrighted (c) 1998 -2014 by Randall S. Davis and licensors, all rights reserved.

This website has two main purposes (1) self-access learning for students where they can do listening activities on their own to improve their listening skills. (2) Tips and materials for teachers. Here teachers can ask learners to do listening activities as a way to complement their classroom objectives. Information in this site has been presented in an organized manner with different learner levels so it is easy to find and easy to use and also the text is easy to read without any distraction. Even though the site design is not really attractive but it is appropriate for the intended audience.

The title of Esl-lab is appropriate to its purpose. The page loads easily and it is always available. Users do not need to pay or type in personal information before using the website. Randall put up links to additional information related to the topic. Tutorial videos and audios are available for first time users on how to get around the site. There is enough information and it is also current and accurate. Lastly, contents are easy to understand and the advertisements did not overshadow the content.

Suggestions: After our evaluation, we can say that esl-lab website is really educative and will be beneficial for learners to enhance their listening skills. However there is still room for improvement especially the design which is kind of boring and unattractive. The contents can be improved by adding more images to attract younger users.

By

Amina Magaji

Amal Khalid

Malk Altaweel

Razan Sabbagh