It’s interesting to me
in this course exactly how much it takes me deeper in learning technology than
I've ever been before. In addition, the most important advantage in learning
technology is more obvious in TEL class that will help me as a future EFL teacher
to facilitate my students learning process. One of the most benficial tool
in learning English as a foreign /second language is a WebQuest.
Bernie Dodge, of San Diego State University, was the
original creator of the webquest concept. He defines it quite adequately as an
"inquiry oriented activity
in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from
resources on the
internet, optionally supplemented with videoconferencing."
To define it simply, in webquests teachers can design a
small quest and ask their students to solve the activities of a particular webquest
by searching on the World Wide Web.
Webquest is clearly
structured into 5 components, which include an introduction (why do this activity),
tasks (what is supposed to be accomplished), process (how to go about it),
evaluative, and conclusion.
The role of the teachers
is basically in webquest represented in two ways either the
teacher can choose a ready-made webquest for the students or design a new
webquest for them. In this course as a future teacher of EFL we create and design a webquest by using “Zunal.com”.
It was an organized and beneficial website that I saw ever and I will use it with
my students if possible. As a teacher I can decide how much information I want
my student to learn by providing this information in my webquest. Also, I can
decide how much information I will let my students to search about and find it
by their own.
The role of the students
in webquest:
The webquest is
basically for the students in order to lead them to an effective learning and facilitate
their learning process. So, they suppose to do most of their works in webquest by
their own such as accomplish various activities and tasks. Moreover, Students learning process will be
developed. For example, in webquest students have been exposed
to many instances of authentic language which enable them to learn it unconsciously.
Webquest has a major
role in many important areas in TEFL/TESL field like activating critical
thinking, student-oriented activities, class environment, cooperative and
collaborative learning and Project-based learning. It enhances the students’
critical thinking because students have to gather information, analyze and
solve/ ask
various questions and summarize some other questions/ information. This will help students to become independent
learners.
Webquests tend to be
student-oriented and collaborative:
In webquest students
will be working in groups as a team work in most cases. Also, they will collaborate
with each other in solving the activities and to accomplish the tasks. It also enhances
a
high level of critical thinking of the students while they are searching about useful
information.
Most of webquest tasks
could be used in a task-based or "project-based" language
learning approach to teaching. Students can benefit from these tasks while accomplish
their tasks which relevant to their own lives. Also, project-based learning (PBL) can give a
variety of learning styles and multiple forms of intelligence have a real world
authentic orientation.
As a future EFL teacher, I would like to use a webquest if it’s
suitable to my students learning process and there will be no objections from
the administration of the school and my students. Also, I will take into
account my students’ satisfaction and enjoyment in using it.
Otherwise, I will not use it if my students do not find it helpful and
enjoyable for them. Also, if the administration of the school does not allow me
to use it or does not provide an internet connection within classroom.
How can my students learn from a
webquest if they do not accept it or refuse it?
So, it depends on these circumstances or factors if it’s allow me to use a webquest with my students or not.
So, it depends on these circumstances or factors if it’s allow me to use a webquest with my students or not.
