The Gathering Stage

Pre-researching resources involves gathering the right resources for the lesson before.
This can be done either by the teacher or the learners. 
What are the pros and cons when the teacher does it for the learners.

Pros.

The web is like an ocean of formation, so if the teacher  does the research it helps to identify the right materials. 
It  saves time during the lesson, since the resources are already identified.
It helps the teacher plan for the activities .


Cons include

It does not promote creativity among the learners.

It does not promote self motivation.

 The  advice  I would  give my learners when implementing a WebQuest if I  require them to do additional research?

When gathering resources they need to be aware of the who, the accuracy of the information, the authenticity of the information on the sites.

They need to gather and analyse the information to see whether it connects well with what they are researching on.

The Process Phase.

The process consists of the steps on how learners will go through the process to reach the outcome. Make sure your steps, resources, and tools are clear to the learner. Make sure students understand what it is they need to do, how they will organize the information they gather, and guidance on how to complete the final product.


 It is at this phase that we as teachers we should plan to engage  students in an inquiry-based activity, which will lead them to develop relevant and authentic knowledge and skills.

We should not forget  Howard Gardner's theory of  Multiple Intelligences at this stage , so we need to plan the the roles that put every learner into action.

It is at this stage that we should see collaboration among students more.
 In the process stage;
* Involves collaboration among students. 
* Supports the learners' thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
* Involves the transformation of information, creating new knowledge or new ideas.
* Students demonstrate their knowledge to an authentic audience, either real or simulated.

Though I have already started to incorporate  this in my classes , there is still a lot for me to do to help my learners be engaged and enjoy  the learning process .  

THE CHALLENGE PHASE OF A WEBQUEST

The task focuses learners on what they are going to do - specifically, the culminating performance or product that drives all of the learning activities. Here we need to describe succinctly and clearly what the end result of the learners' activities will be.


 Does the activity get students’ Attention? Is it Relevant to their needs, interests, or motives? Does the task inspire learners’ Confidence in achieving success? Finally, would completing the activity leave students with a sense of Satisfaction in their accomplishment? The best way to address attention and relevance is to choose a topic that students find compelling and then create an authentic learning task related to it. 

I have learnt that the challenge phase is very vital and should be thought of carefully, for if it is missed then the learners might miss the essence of the topic.

 When I look at my Introduction and challenge phase yes, I have made a step but still I have to do more to catch my learners attention.

So teachers of the 21st we need to plan tasks that drives the learners to think critically and be able to come up with final products that will reflect authentic learning.