ABSTRACT
The ever-increasing presence of computers and Internet access in schools has challenged educators to develop the best practices possible for using technology to enhance learning. Bernie Dodge, a professor of educational technology at San Diego State University, originated the term Webquest to describe an activity designed to help students learn from electronic and print informational resources. The key element of a Webquest is that it calls upon students to solve a problem or answer a question. In order to solve the problem, they must dissect information related to the question, usually from the Internet and library resources. A well-constructed Webquest should have a clearly stated task at the beginning, offering Web links and other information about where to find useful materials. Often students are called upon to work in teams to locate, gather, and evaluate pertinent information. Team members may be assigned roles describing their duties during the activity. Gathered information should then be used to reach a solution to the original problem or answer the question first presented. Finally students should evaluate the information and their work as well as their final solution. After students become adept at solving Webquests, they can design their own, an activity that further develops their abilities to think critically and evaluate information.
