History of WebQuests

In 1995 Bernie Dodge, with advise from Tom March, invented WebQuests while at San Diego University. The World Wide Web was new at the time and WebQuests were one of the first new types of learning that utilized the web. WebQuests engage learners as a group to solve a real or simulated problem. The results of a WebQuest are dependent on the efforts of the learners rather than a teacher's curriculum; Webquests are a method of guided learning.

• Bernie Dodge
• Tom March
• Bright Ideas for Education
• WebQuest.org

Parts of WebQuests

WebQuests have generally consistent components.

• The Introduction and the Task Section - The introduction and task sections provide the background of the task to be accomplished or problem to be solved. WebQuests may involve role-playing such as placing the learners in the role of a career, or position which requires them to solve the task at hand.
• The Process Section - The process section outlines the basic means learners must use to accomplish the task.
• The Resources Section - The resources section outlines the resources at the learners disposal to accomplish the task outlined in the introduction and task section. This may include giving the learners specific resources, or limiting them to accomplishing the task using specific means.
• The Evaluation Section - The evaluation section gives a guide as to how evaluation of the WebQuest will be done. Often this section will contain information of the specific technical aspects of evaluation such as aesthetics, or ability to successfully solve the task, etc. This section may also provide due dates for specific components.
• The Conclusion Section - The conclusion section outlines the end of the WebQuest, and may provide insights into what students should have learned as well as additional topics learners may wish to pursue.

Evaluating WebQuests

WebQuests may include a variety of multi-media components. For instance some may require design, and visual aids, others might require making a speech, or creating a pod-cast. Because of this, the process of creating a WebQuest typically involves using a rubric as method for evaluating the components. Evaluation rubrics are specific to the WebQuest and the requirements of accomplishing the task.

• A Draft Rubric for Evaluating WebQuests
• Evaluating WebQuests

Examples of WebQuests

The following are examples of current WebQuests available online. While WebQuests do not need to be hosted online, many are.

• Total War in WWI
  
• Wrath, Rage,and Robes
• The Cold War
• Matrix of WebQuest Examples

Additional Resources

The following are other resources and additional information about WebQuests, including information on locating currently available WebQuests.

• QuestGarden
• Learning About WebQuests
• Useful WebQuest Resources
• The Student WebQuest