FEATURES OF DESIGNING A WEB QUEST AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BIOLOGY CLASSES

Abstract

The rapid development of information and communication technologies necessitates the implementation of innovative teaching methods that enhance students’ cognitive activity. One of the most effective forms is the quest, which combines game-based elements with search and research activities. In academic sources, this concept is interpreted as an interactive process of independent knowledge acquisition that includes elements of an adventure or role-playing game. A web quest typically functions as a website or an online platform devoted to a specific topic and structured as a series of sequential tasks united by a common storyline. The authors of the method emphasized its research-oriented nature and its significant role in developing higher-order thinking skills, particularly analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Despite the growing interest in game-based learning technologies, quests still remain a relatively new form of educational activity that has not yet been sufficiently developed from a methodological perspective. Only in recent years have they been actively implemented by teachers of various school subjects, including biology, history, computer science, and foreign languages. The use of such technologies contributes to the development of students’ cognitive interest and serves as an important component of professional training. In the educational process, a web quest performs a number of essential functions, including motivational, instructional, and developmental ones. While working on a quest, students deepen their knowledge, broaden their horizons, develop logical thinking and tolerance, and also acquire skills of independent learning. The use of web quests in biology classes is particularly effective, as this subject involves active exploration, analysis of natural objects and phenomena, conducting experiments, and solving problem-based tasks. They stimulate ecological thinking, develop teamwork skills, and create opportunities for creative inquiry, independent decision-making, and unconventional approaches to problem-solving. In addition, web quests contribute to the comprehensive achievement of educational, developmental, and instructional goals. The article presents a methodological development of the web quest «Secrets of the Cell».