An Internet-Based Exploration of Democratic Schooling Within Pluralistic Learning Environments

The authors describe an Internet-based instructional activity called a WebQuest WebQuest components are highlighted and the pedagogical rationale for the activity's structure is explained. An example of a WebQuest is then offered: We Hold these Truths to be Self-Evident was developed by the authors and is designed to help preservice and inservice teachers examine the core democratic principles of the United States and the reflection of those principles within school curriculum and policies. A preliminary evaluation of this WebQuest provides useful information about both its content and structure. The primary finding is that participants gained a deeper understanding of how to create more democratic processes and structures within schools and how to select a curriculum that provides young people with experiences that prepare them for civic action. A secondary finding is that the use of the WebQuest resulted in an increased level of comfort with Internet technology.