Assessing the impact of the implementation of a WebQuest for learning English as a second language

Abstract

In this technological era we live in, the educative scenario is changing rapidly and significantly due to the incorporation of Internet. Therefore, education should pay special attention to society needs and for this reason computers and Internet have to be part of the teaching process in order to make students ready for this new world. Yet, Internet opens a wide range of options and materials ready to be used in the teaching and learning process, particularly in the language learning. This final Master Thesis is focus on the implementation and assessment of a computer-based approach, the WebQuest, in a third year of compulsory secondary education. The didactic unit implemented deals with the different English-speaking countries and their particularities. This activity has been carried out using in-class sessions together with autonomous work and group work. The purpose of this study is to analyse and discuss students' opinions and reactions towards the use of this teaching and learning strategy in an English as a Second Language class. Thus, the study aims at showing whether students 1) gain a higher motivation in learning English, 2) have improved their digital competence and 3) have acquired cultural knowledge. For this reason, students' task and two post-questionnaires are taking into account. The results of the post-questionnaires have suggested that the use of new technologies have motivated students towards the teaching and learning of the English subject. Moreover, their digital competence as well as their cultural competence have improved while working with the designed WebQuest.