WebQuest

A WebQuest is a task-based learning model. While engaging in the task, learners are required to search the web to think and get information related to specific task.In the webquests Teachers can find materials that mmeet their needs and they can also create their own webquests. One of the online authoring and hosting systems for WebQuests is QuestGarden site. This site provides its members with ready made materials that created by other teachers. These materials can be amended to suit members' context. Those members can make their own webquet as well.

Off to Oz is an example of WebQuest.

  

What is Off to OZ?

 This is an incredible Web Quest which introduces students to an English speaking country (Australia).  Students need to use English to search Internet to collect as much information as possible on this country such as the culture, life style and location.         
                                      

Why is it good for language classrooms?                                                                                                     

The topic is very interesting and enjoyable which can motivate students to do the task.

 Language used as a tool to explore other cultures and customs.                                 

It is an easy topic for students to talk about.                                                            

It engages students in interactive and collaborative work.                                        

It develops students' synthetic skills.  

It fosters the four skills. Students read about the topic, discuss it in groups, and listen to

What their peers say and write an essay about this subject.                                     

 How can it be used in the class?

This kind of web Quests can be used properly with pre-intermediate or intermediate students. First, Teachers need to familiarise their students with this site and how they can use it. Then, they can group the students into pairs and ask them to search the web to collect information about the task. After finishing the task, students are required to present their answers to the class and discuss from which site they found their answers.      

  Its limitations:  

    The questions are not clear and ambiguous.

   The task is very broad. There is so much information for students to cover.

  It is overloaded. Students have to talk about the Australian culture, other cultures   

 and their own culture. This makes them feel bored and less interested in the activity.

 It may not work properly with large classes.

 It needs much time for students to get information and present it to the class.