WebQuests and On-line Research Modules are ways of learning [through] using the web that require higher level thinking and problem solving. They engage students in meaningful, challenging and motivating inquiry. Moreover, they provide students with scaffolding - supportive structures that direct students to reliable and developmentally appropriate websites and avoid the frustration of time wastage on unproductive searching.

WebQuests are learning activities in which students are presented with an authentic situation and a task, which is usually a problem to solve or a project to complete. The WebQuest model was originally developed in 1995 by Bernie Dodge and Tom March at San Diego State University.   WebQuests provide students with a structural learning framework, which provides scaffolding and support, yet still facilitates self-directed learning. They provide an authentic meaningful contextual learning environment, which enhances the nature of learning and thinking, problem solving and the integration of knowledge.  

More about Web Quests

http://webquest.sdsu.edu/

On-line Research Modules, as developed by Jamie McKenzie, engage students in higher level critical thinking and problem solving through a highly structured research process. Students answer important questions that require original thought instead of simply gathering information.  

More about Research Modules

       http://questioning.org/module/module.html

This introduction from “Learning Using the Web” was composed by Jackie Miers the creator of the web site with the same name. It is being used with permission and can be found in its entirety at: http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jmresources/webprojects/webprojects.html

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