Students' use of the Internet to learn mathematics : the design of a WebQuest for form 4 students

Abstract

In this research study, the researcher will design and develop a WebQuest: an inquiry oriented activity in which most of the information used by learners is drawn from the Internet. The WebQuest will be targeted to form 4 students covering the extended mathematics SEC syllabus (Paper IIA). It will have these major aims: To consolidate mathematical concepts and skills covered in form 4 and in the preceding years; to present mock real life problems with mathematical solutions: thus presenting mathematics as relevant and meaningful; to give the children an opportunity to use the Internet for an educational purpose and to give the children an opportunity to work with and learn from each other as a group. The researcher will be making use of the WebQuest page at the San Diego State University (http://webquest.sdsu.edu.html) to design and upload the set of activities which will be based on a sports theme. The WebQuest will be tried out within a school, with form 4 students. The students and their teacher will be asked for feedback (questionnaires and interviews with students and interview with teacher). This data will then be analyzed. Research literature related to the subject will help the researcher in his design of the WebQuest and in the analysis of the pilot study.