Tuesday, November 1, 2011

WebQuest Reflection

In my Instructional Technology class we are learning about WebQuests and their use in the classroom. A WebQuest is a constructive activity in which students gather information from web resources to solve a problem. It is not just the gathering of information from sites, but the synthesizing of this information. I can see how I will be able to use them in my own classroom. I can set one up any time I am covering a topic with obvious real-world applications. I can present a problem and ask the students to figure out how to resolve the issue using mathematical concepts they gather from the web. The benefits of a WebQuest in a math classroom are numerous. The most significant of the benefits is that it can enable the students to see the applications of math. Too often students' complaints are revolving around a version of the statement, "when will we ever use this?" A WebQuest allows them to answer that question. Also, a WebQuest would provide a change of pace from the typical lecture format of a math class. The students will be able to tackle a problem in a fun and creative manner rather than the pencil and paper, stuck behind a desk method. However, teachers must use WebQuests with discretion. They can be lengthy, taking up time where time is not allotted. Unfortunately, many teachers have a time crunch they have to teach within due to the stress put on standardized testing, and WebQuests, if not used efficiently, can eat up this time. Also, the use of computers may tempt students to get distracted with other pages on the web, so WebQuests require close monitoring by the teacher. Overall, I am glad I am being exposed to WebQuests. I never did one in high school, and I think that I would have appreciated it as a student. Since I can also see the benefits of using one in class from a teacher's perspective, I will keep WebQuests as an option for use in my classroom.

2 comments:

  1. There are a variety of ways to answer the "when will I ever use this?" question. Webquests, however, are a way to answer the question that students will enjoy and teachers will be able to use to do additional teaching.

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  2. I think it is really great that you not that teachers must make sure they use webquests efficiently and do a good job of time management! What are some ways you would recommend that they can do this?

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