Internet-based project and Webquests

Using web pages and websites in the classroom:

An Internet-based project, also known as a web-based project, refers to a project that is conducted, managed or presented primarily using online resources and tools available on the Internet. These projects take advantage of the connectivity and accessibility of the Internet to facilitate collaboration, research, communication and presentation. Internet-based projects can cover a wide range of topics and objectives, from educational initiatives to business ventures and creative endeavors.

No specialist technical knowledge is needed to produce or to use Internet-based projects. However, it takes time to plan and design them. Teachers can look around on the Internet to see if something appropriate already exists. This type of activity develops critical thinking and encourage cooperative learning.

PROJECT  WORK:

A good way to use web pages is to plan a project work which can be:

•  a simple low level project (a poster) 

•  a high level investigation work (a learner research with a final product such as a debate or a report).

INTERNET-BASED SIMULATIONS:

It brings, real-life context to the classroom.

Learners deal with situations that they may come across with (e.g. during a foreign travel or having encounters with native speakers managed by the teacher.

The Internet gives the students access to authentic websites that provide stimulating and relevant content that enables them to carry out these simulations. It works particularly well with business English and general English learners using real websites.

WEBQUESTS:

According to Bernie Dodge, a Professor of Educational Technology at San Diego State University, a webquest is “an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet”.

Webquests are designed to guide students through a structured learning experience, promoting active engagement, independent research, critical thinking, and effective communication. The internet-based nature of webquests makes them flexible, accessible, and adaptable to various subjects and educational levels. 

There are short-term webquest, which lasts a couple of lessons and at the end students have a significant amount of information and long-term webquest, in which students analyze a body of knowledge and turn it into a new product. It lasts few weeks or a term or period.

The process of a webquest typically involves the following steps:

-Introduction: The webquest begins with an introduction that provides context and sets the stage for the learning activity. This section often includes a brief overview of the topic, its relevance, and the tasks students will be completing.

-Task: Clear instructions are provided to define the tasks that students need to accomplish. These tasks could involve research, analysis, problem-solving, creation of content, or other objectives related to the topic.

-Resources: Students are provided with a list of internet resources they can use to gather information. These resources might include websites, articles, videos, databases, or any other relevant online materials.

-Process: This section outlines the steps students should follow to complete the tasks. It provides a structured pathway for students to follow, which could involve specific questions to answer, activities to complete, or guidelines for analyzing the information they find.

-Guidance and Support: Depending on the complexity of the tasks, the webquest might offer additional guidance, tips, or suggestions to help students successfully navigate the process.

-Evaluation: The webquest includes criteria or guidelines for evaluating the quality of students' work. This might include rubrics, checklists, or specific expectations for what constitutes a successful completion of the tasks.

-Conclusion: The webquest concludes with a summary of the key points covered and often encourages students to reflect on what they've learned and the skills they've developed throughout the activity.

-Extension or Enrichment: Some webquests offer extension activities or suggestions for students who want to delve deeper into the topic or explore related areas.

-Sharing and Presentation: Depending on the webquest's goals, students might be required to present their findings, analysis, or created content to the class or in an online format.

-Assessment: Teachers evaluate students' work based on the criteria provided, offering feedback and assessing the depth of understanding, research skills, critical thinking, and creativity demonstrated.

THIS IS THE LINK TO MY WEBQUEST: 

http://www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=787268

REFERENCES: Dudeney, G., & Hockly, N. (2007). How to Teach English with Technology. http://www.ifets.info/download_pdf.php?j_id=36&a_id=786