Learning Theories Webquest - Review

http://people.cite.hku.hk/dchurchill/LTwebquest/

Paul's Initial Comments:

Upon visiting the site for the first time, one thing that is really striking is the use of colour. The colour and contrast used is just right and stands out fine (the blue and green give a distinct feeling of 'nature', and is pleasant on the eye).

The container frame used for the page is of a fixed width and height (not too big, not too small) as to ensure usability with a range of screen resolutions - something that should NEVER be overlooked when designing and creating websites. Do you know how frustrating it is when a web designer creates a page that is fixed on a 1920x1080 resolution? If the average person has a bare-basic 1024x768 screen and has to use horizontal and vertical scroll bars to navigate around the site, you'll understand! :) Fortunately, that is not the case with this website,. so well done on that part!

As for the main user interface, it is easy-to-access and is clearly labelled with icons as to know which function does what.

Clicking the icons brings-up respective pop-ups of information (in which case you may need to enable pop-ups on the site). Instructions are clear and concise. Bullet-points and numbered lists are used to keep information structured.

In addition, there are sufficient links as to help you with your webquest. Some of the links bring you to external sites as to help you learn what you are about to research.
The content of the site is short and to-the-point. There is nothing overly-excessive here. It is easy to navigate and locate the information you need.

There is information on the site (under Facilitator's Guide) explaining the purpose of the webquest and why we have them. This is good for newbies that are being introduced to webquests for the first time. For those with experience, it helps reinforce the reasoning behind them.

Using a webquest encourages student-centered learning where the teacher (or the person behind the construction of the website) acts as a facilitator. As facilitators, we direct students to places where they can find information, as well as offering advice as how to go about using their information and research in the construction of answers.
All-in-all, a well-put and respectable webquest site! :)


Suggestions for Future Improvements:

1. Somehow eliminate the use of pop-ups and have all information on-screen. Pop-ups are old concept and a bit of a no-no for browsers of today (with pop-up blockers).
2. A forum or comments system where students can share information together or ask questions on various sections (perhaps something around the 'Conclusion' section?).
3. Look at migrating the webquest onto a more 'modernised' Web 2.0 platform e.g. Moodle. That way, it is easier to organise information and communicate.
4. Employ and integrate more Web 2.0 tools into the webquest.

Cheers, Paul