In Bernie Dodge’s Taxonomy of WebQuest Tasks, he defines several types of tasks for WebQuests and gives tips for their usage. In an introduction, he makes clear that a good WebQuests combines two or more tasks of the following:
Retelling Task
Dodge defines this task as the easiest of WebQuest tasks which does not ask for more than collecting information and presenting it in the WebQuest. It helps pupils to get in touch with WebQuests and to apply basic computer skills.
Mystery Task
Wrapped in a puzzle, this task is especially interesting for younger pupils but depending on the class can be used in later stages of school, too. To keep the excitement of the task, a solution should not be too easy to find, e.g. by just typing the question into a search engine. False trails can help to raise the level of difficulty.
Design Task
Pupils almost always like to create products that they can see and also show to other people. This is why a creative approach like a design task is popular and often chosen in school projects. What must be considered is that a design task should lead to a certain point where a product is created. This product should be useful and a description of it should give room for the pupils’ creativity.
Analytical Task
This tasks asks pupils to look closer at one or more aspects in order to find similarities or differences which then can be analysed. In addition to this, the analysis should include a critical debate concerning reasons and interpretation for certain results.
Bernie Dodges Taxonomy of WebQuest Tasks offers even more definitions of tasks which are worth looking at.
