“A well-designed WebQuest combines research-supported theories with effective use of the Internet to promote dependable instructional practices.” (March, 2003)
http://www.webquestdirect.com.au/harmony/shopping/process.htm
I found this amazing webquest which actually covers many of the strands in the Home Economics syllabus. The webquest provides the framework for students to develop an aged person friendly shopping centre. ‘Living in a Wider Society’ and ‘The Built Environment’ are both core strands in the Home Ec syllabus, and technology essential skills of collaborative working, design and production are included in the outworking of this quest. Health and Physical Education contents are sometimes covered in the Home Ec. syllabus where aging can be addressed. This ‘Webquest’ is tagged forever!!
For a teacher to be able to use a webquest to its fullest potential will require the necessary resources of reliable internet access for a number of students. Incorporating field excursions would remind the students that it is a ‘real’ world and not a virtual one. Possible excursions would be to the aged care centre and a shopping village. Interesting that the producers of this webquest ask for feedback and provide teacher guidance.
Personally, I think designing a webquest is a specialist area and whilst I would welcome the opportunity, the reality for most teachers is that they simply do not have time to develop competency in creating the webquests . Accessing those already created and adapting them to suit specific classes would allow both students and teachers the opportunity to learn in this way. A professional development opportunity exists in this area and is catered for in both real and virtual situations eg. http://www.webquestdirect.com.au/
This particular Webquest could be an entire unit of work and its framework would need to be utilized several times to ensure that the time cost of production is worthwhile.