A WebQuest presents students with a challenging task, scenario, or problem to solve. It's best to choose topics that are under dispute or that at least offer a couple different perspectives. Current events, controversial social and environmental topics work well.
Students begin by learning some common background knowledge, then divide into groups.
Each student or pair of students has a particular role, task, or perspective to master. They effectively become experts on one aspect of a topic. Students must synthesize their learning by completing a summarizing act such as e-mailing congressional representatives or presenting their interpretation to the world. WebQuests created for Pacific Bell Pacific Bell has continued to support the development of the WebQuest strategy. Below is a chronology of WebQuests with an indication of what new aspect was added to push the envelope and continue to evolve WebQuests to meet the ongoing needs of teachers, librarians, and learners.