Teacher Universe | Professional Development | Features

Home | Professional Development | Features | Web Quests

The Quest for Effective Internet Practices
by Jeanne M. Munoz
Curriculum Integration Specialist

While many educators are excited about the academic resources the Internet has to offer, they are hesitant to allow their students to access these resources. Is this you?

Do you find it difficult to develop valid instructional activities that integrate the Internet?
Are you concerned about your students utilizing their time effectively rather than simply surfing the Internet?
Are you worried about security on the Internet and the quality of the websites students could encounter?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider using WebQuest, a wonderful strategy that incorporates both short-term and long-term Internet learning into the classroom.

Professor Bernie Dodge developed WebQuest in 1995 at San Diego State University. He defines it as "an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet." WebQuest is a collaboration of the most effective instructional practices into one motivating activity and has become a very popular tool for scaffolding Internet learning. A well-designed Quest may include critical thinking, cooperative learning, authentic assessment, and opportunities to master academic and technology standards and content.

To learn more about WebQuests:
Visit the WebQuest home page or About WebQuests. You can also subscribe to Bernie Dodge's WebQuest discussion group.

Enjoy your Quest!