Blended Learning and the European Higher Education Area: The Use of WebQuests

This paper deals with the new pedagogical approaches that the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) demands in the university system and proposes blended learning as an effective means to meet these demands. Blended learning refers to language courses that combine the use of technology and distant learning with face-to-face classes. WebQuests, which are inquiry-oriented activities that elicit higher-order thinking, can be easily combined with face-to-face classroom activities. This blended learning methodology can be an adequate means to adapt language subjects to the EHEA demands. Blended learning and WebQuests elicit higher order thinking, foster the development of instrumental systemic and interpersonal competences and can be easily integrated in an accumulation and transfer system based on ECTS credits.