What is ThinkQuest? ThinkQuest is an online learning platform that helps students develop important 21st century skills, including communication, critical thinking, and technology skills. It includes:
ThinkQuest Projects: A project environment that s collaborative learning ThinkQuest Competition: Technology competitions that challenge students to solve real-world problems ThinkQuest Library: The world's largest online repository of student-developed learning projects, visited by millions of web learners each month ThinkQuest Professional Development: Professional development for educators The Oracle Education Foundation (OEF) provides ThinkQuest as a free service to K-12 schools globally. No advertising or spam is allowed (learn more about OEF).
What do gain by using ThinkQuest Projects?
A free teaching tool that allows schools to easily integrate project learning and technology into their curricula. A protected, student-friendly learning environment accessible only to schools that have ed a thorough verification process. A hosted learning environment that can access any time from any internet-connected computer. A teaching tool that allows teachers to integrate project learning and technology into the curriculum and view student work as it is created. Simple content creation tools, including project templates that guide teachers to create their own projects in minutes. Access to a wealth of exemplary projects created by teachers and global projects designed by Oracle Education Foundation partners, including National Geographic, the Chicago Field Museum, and the British Council. Opportunities for students and teachers to collaborate with peers all over the world. Opportunities for students to develop key 21st century skills, including technology, communication, crosscultural understanding and teamwork skills. Learn more about 21st century skills A forum for students to create and share content with an authentic global audience, motivating them to produce their best work. A teacher-mediated environment that helps students learn appropriate online behavior. Students are identified by first name and last initial, content is attributable to its author and questionable content can be reported to a student's school if problems arise.
What do students and teachers gain by participating in the ThinkQuest International Competition?
Experience participating in a highly structured, hands-on learning project that challenges students to apply critical thinking, communication, and technology skills as they solve a real-world problem. A fun and engaging learning opportunity that helps students hone important 21st century skills. Learn more about 21st century skills The chance for students to present a solution to a problem in a unique and innovative way, using their choice of technology. Access to a friendly step-by-step tutorial to help students best apply their critical thinking, communication, and technology skills as they develop their entries. The chance for students/teachers to compete against their peers from all over the world. The chance for students/teachers to meet and collaborate with their peers in other schools, states, or countries. Resources and information to help students be successful in the competition will be made available upon the launch of the competition.
What do students and teachers gain by using the ThinkQuest Library?
All of the websites were created by young people from around the world. Websites are organized into educational categories, including Books & Literature, History & Government, and Science & Technology. In addition, content that is inappropriate or commercial in nature is prohibited. Teachers and students can use the ThinkQuest Library for school projects, assignments, or personal research. Many sites include lesson plans, multimedia resources, and educational games and activities.
21st Century Skills Our global society has become much more reliant on creative thinking, innovation, and new technology. Employers in the 21st century need employees armed with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be successful in this society. The Oracle Education Foundation has identified seven core skills that students need to develop to be successful in the 21st century. By participating in ThinkQuest, students will develop each of these important skills: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Critical thinking: Ability to use multiple perspectives to analyze an issue or problem, create an intervention plan, and evaluate the results of the intervention Creativity: Ability to demonstrate the process of generating new ideas or concepts Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal Cross-cultural understanding: Ability to recognize and correctly react to people or situations that are open to misunderstanding due to cultural differences Communication: Ability to demonstrate the process of exchanging information and ideas Technology: Ability to use a range of technologies to create, store, analyze, and transmit information Self-direction: Ability to demonstrate work behavior characterized as self-starting and proactive For information on using ThinkQuest Projects to develop students' 21st century skills, visit theProject Setup section.
What is the Oracle Education Foundation?
A nonprofit organization funded by Oracle, the foundation delivers ThinkQuest - a widely acclaimed education technology program - to K-12 schools globally. ThinkQuest is a protected, online learning platform that enables teachers to integrate learning projects into their classroom curriculum and students to develop critical 21st century skills. For more information, visit http://oraclefoundation.org.