The role of WebQuests in learning a foreign/second language

A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web. These can be created using various programs, including a simple word processing document that includes links to websites. A WebQuest is distinguished from other Internet-based research by three characteristics. First, it is classroom-based. Second, it emphasizes higher-order thinking (such as analysis, creativity, or criticism) rather than just acquiring information. And third, the teacher preselects the sources, emphasizing information use rather than information gathering.Finally, though solo WebQuests are not unknown, most WebQuests are group work with the task frequently being split into roles.

Web-quests are used by educators around the world to help second and foreign language learners in their learning.

A teacher can design a web-quest for collaborative work too. A group of students can be asked to work collaboratively in solving a problem and finding solutions to complete a task. she can give them list of resources they can browse via web instead of traditional ordinary tasks which will give students a chance to use the target language in its natural context through browsing.

Web-quests can also used for project-based learning. A teacher can create a web-quest for final project that involve the students' problem solving, decision making, investigative skills, and reflection that includes teacher facilitation, but not direction.

In conclusion, the role of web-quest in learning a second and/or a foreign language is really effective. Web-quests can be used for individual and collaborative work that help students learn greatly and effectively.

Web Site Evaluation

Dave's ESL Café

We have decided choosing a website for EFL/ESL learners and teachers. Website is http://www.eslcafe.com 

Dave’s ESL Café is maintained by Dave Sperling. He has a B.A in Psychology from Pepperdine University, and an MA in Applied Linguistics from California State University, Northridge. He had spent nearly a decade teaching EFL in Japan and Thailand .Therefore we sure he is the expertise in his field especially teaching English as second language. This website basically “teaches” English as second language through different kind of approaches such as

 grammar lessons-giving notes about idioms- pronunciation-tutorial-forums – quizzes- World Culture –Writing- topics like geography,

You can know more information…

In general…

Dave's ESL Cafe is a Web site aimed at a general audience of ESL/EFL teachers and students. The purpose of the site is to provide English language resources and discussion forums for ESL/EFL students as well as job announcements, professional development opportunities, instructional strategies, and discussion forums for ESL/EFL teachers.

Dave’s ESL Café, which mainly relies on interaction, is made up of 3 sections. Stuff for teachers, stuff for students, stuff for everyone – the fourth section, Jobs. Stuff for students features a help Centre, which is actually a forum where learners can post language related questions of any kind. Dave Sterling himself, or some other learner, will answer them. There are also subsections on Idioms, Slang, Quizzes on different topics, and a wide set of student Forums, ranging from Computers and Sports to Science, Learning English and even The Strange and Mysterious. Stuff for everyone, on the other hand, contains a Chat Central, to which learners can register if they wish to experience a chat in English in a protected environment, a section on Podcasting and a wide collection of EFL links

Suggestion…

The website is very useable for the teachers and also the students. 

The content of the website can also be improved by adding more options like listening and speaking activities. Currently, it only focuses on grammar, idioms and verbs. If possible, it is better if the Pronunciation Power can be access by everyone without the need to pay for it. Other than that I am quite satisfied with this website.

I would recommend this website to the English teachers as one of the references for their teaching plan and also for students to improve their English language.

I would positively use this application in my future work. As a future teacher I definitely will need some help in planning for my lessons in class. This website gives opportunity for me to exchange information about teaching with other people around the world. It also provides notes, ideas for activities, and other material that I can always make use in my class. I would also recommend my future students to access this website.