Reviews on Interesting WebQuests

       A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web.  It is that by using internet as the resource of information and knowledge, learners try to answer the questions, resolve the problem, or complete the assigned task.  WebQuest can be created using various programs, including a simple word processing document that includes links to websites.  Using Prezi, PowerPoint, Slideshare, Glogster, and Capzles as platform can certainly provide more interactive content for WebQuest.  

      WebQuest is designed to make learners use Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS): [Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating].  Generally speaking, WebQuest has 6 essential parts: Introduction, Task, Process, Resources, Evaluation, and Conclusion.  Per the statistics data provided in each WebQuest on Zunal.com, it seems Task and Process sections get more attentions from users than any other section in a WebQuest, maybe because these two sections contain the most important information in a WebQuest.  

      Here are three very interesting WebQuests I found on Zuna.coml:

The Life and Times of William Shakespeare!

(http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=68364)

Evaluation: 6 points.

      This WebQuest is very informative and well-designed.  The site uses clearly labeled steps and sections and is visually appealing.  The instruction of assignment in the Webquest is easy to follow.  This WebQuest also require learners to use Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and group collaboration to address the assigned questions and task. This WebQuest is also ranked #1 in the "15 most favorited" list on Zunal.com.

(http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=68364)

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Solving basic quadratic equations using factoring

(http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=153730)

Evaluation: 5 points.

      I found myself using this interesting WebQuest to polish my factoring skill.  The site is well-organized with clear and easy-to-follow instructions.  This WebQuest also allow the learners to apply factoring skill to resolve real-world math problem, thus learners are required to use Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS).  Although this WebQuest does not require learners to work in group to resolve the math problems, it does not preclude the learners from group discussion on how to work out the correct answers to the problems.    

(http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=153730)

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Traditional cuisine in France!

(http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=174561)

Evaluation: 6 points.

      This webquest requires learner not only to learn how to speak French, but also to engage with various knowledge in geographical and cuisine aspects of the rich French culture.   The site provides lots of useful information and resources. This WebQuest clearly states requirements for presentation assignment.  It also asks learner to use Higher Order Thinking Skills(HOTS) as well as work in group to complete the assigned task.

(http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=174561)

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Reference:
Zunal: http://zunal.com/index.php
WebQuest on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebQuest

Videos watched:
1. WebQuest 101 Part 1 - What is a WebQuest? (2008):
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4rel5qOPvU
   
2. WebQuest 101 Part 2 - How to make a WebQuest? (2008)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyht-ehlAWY
 
      The first video provides the definition of WebQuest.   The second video not only discusses the essential parts of a WebQuest, but also points out some important steps on how to make a WebQuest.  Both videos provide valuable resources on making a WebQuest which could be used in teaching and learning.