Web‐Based Inquiry Learning: Facilitating Thoughtful Literacy With WebQuests

Abstract

An action research study investigated how the multiple tasks found in WebQuests facilitate fifth‐grade students' literacy skills and higher order thinking. Findings indicate that WebQuests are most successful when activities are carefully selected and systematically delivered. Implications for teaching include the necessity for adequate planning, organization, supervision, and scaffolding of learning in a Web environment. For students, benefits of WebQuests include enhancement of thoughtful literacy through multiple knowledge representations and making learning meaningful through connections to real‐life contexts. The study also highlighted interdisciplinary teaching and learning of social studies, science, and language arts.