The role of WeQuests 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.

     This program enables the students to discover by using computer and sources of knowledge available on the internet.This program is important because it gives students certain tasks and activities enable them to use sources of knowledge to solve problem also makes them learn some skills like: discovering, reasoning, inference, and circulation. Also, it can develop their creativity and creativity production. In addition, it enhances the spirit of collaborative and cooperative between students. Also, it enables the students to develop their critical thinking and deal with information in useful way. The teacher in this case should be act as a guide and facilitator the process to the students and students should be active participants. The class environment is something important especially when we're dealing with programs or website or any anything requires any source of technology. So we have to make sure that the classroom is provided with required equipment like: computers, or labtop, internet..ect

     If I am English teacher, I will use Web Quest with my students but I should keep in mind their level, policy of school, classroom environment and any other problems I may face.

Website Evaluation

We choose http://www.esl-lab.com/ which is owned by Randall Davis. He has B.A in Spanish education and master’s degree in TESL. He provided source on the left side of the site where both teachers and students can find information about the website as well as how to contact him. In the terms of use he made mentioned that his site is free to use online, but there are limitations on how the materials can and cannot be used unless one obtains a license. All materials at Randall's ESL are copyrighted (c) 1998 -2014 by Randall S. Davis and licensors, all rights reserved.

This website has two main purposes (1) self-access learning forstudents where they can do listening activities on their own to improve their listening skills. (2) Tips and materials for teachers. Here teachers can ask learners to do listening activities as a way to complement their classroom objectives. Information in this site has been presented in an organized manner with different learner levels so it is easy to find and easy to use and also the text is easy to read without any distraction. Even though the site design is not really attractive but it is appropriate for the intended audience.

The title of Esl-lab is appropriate to its purpose. The page loads easily and it is always available. Users do not need to pay or type in personal information before using the website. Randall put up links to additional information related to the topic. Tutorial videos and audios are available for first time users on how to get around the site. There is enough information and it is also current and accurate. Lastly, contents are easy to understand and the advertisements did not overshadow the content.

Suggestions: After our evaluation, we can say that esl-lab website is really educative and will be beneficial for learners to enhance their listening skills. However there is still room for improvement especially the design which is kind of boring and unattractive. The contents can be improved by adding more images to attract younger users.