The development of WebQuests for SEC level course in computer studies

Abstract

This dissertation provides Computer Studies teachers with a Resource Pack consisting of WebQuests and related support resources such as notes, PowerPoint presentations and activity sheets, which link real life situations to relevant topics within the MATSEC Computer Studies syllabus. These will help students to better understand the theory behind the subject while engage in online directed inquiry. The Literature Review compares inquiry-based learning with the traditional approach of teaching and describes changes brought about by technology in the classroom. A description about different web-based activities is included and WebQuests are compared to the rest of the mentioned activities. A research about the layout and design of WebQuests follows. The next chapter describes the approach we adapted to carry out this study. Chapter four provides teachers with a detailed description about each WebQuest developed and useful guidelines to use these WebQuests and the additional resources. The following chapter presents results from the evaluation questionnaires given to students from four different schools after having trialed the developed WebQuests. The last chapter discusses these results.