From WebQuests to Virtual Learning: A Study on Students' Perception of Factors Affecting Design and Development of Online Learning

Abstract

WebQuest as an Internet-based instructional model has recently been widely adopted in K-16 education. However, its underlying principles and functionality are not well understood, which has resulted in an inconsistency in practice. This chapter investigates the factors that are critical to the design and development of WebQuests from the perspective of students. The four constructs of constructivist problem-solving, social interaction, motivation, and scaffolding were identified as factors critical to WebQuest learning. The identified factors were further studied in a larger context with a focus on virtual teams and virtual learning. Suggestions were made on how to improve the existing practice in virtual team design in light of the factors identified in WebQuest learning.