Blog Post about Webquests about Webquests

Learning how to use a webquest was not a trying or difficult task. But it did involve taking the time to sit down and analyze all the different aspects of a webquest. It was important to make sure that the webquest emphasized the use of technology and actually functioned (i.e. had working links). The best webquests promoted students collaborating together and thinking critically. Nothing is fun or interesting if it is so simple that it becomes tedious and boring. Most importantly though a good webquest is efficient. There is no point in assigning students a lengthy webquest that will tire them out and need several classes to complete if nothing useful is going to be attained. Long webquests should conclude with a full and complete understanding of the covered topic. 

Webquests can be very useful in the classroom, especially with social studies. The example from the assignment on the Nixon-Kennedy debates was fantastic. The topic was interesting, it involved students working together and did not consume more time than was really needed for the subject. In the end students had an understanding of the role the visual media (television) has had on politics over the last five decades. The conclusion was also thought provoking because it leaves open the question would certain Presidents have been elected if there was the same television coverage then compared to know.