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A Quest for Peace
An Internet WebQuest on East Timor
created by oz-TeacherNet
Cognitive Load 
Introduction |
The Task |
The Process & Resources |
Conclusion |
HyperText Dictionary
Not quite ready to tackle a WebQuest? Work up to this by using a model that you can develop as you collect the resources and develop Internet skills.
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Teacher Skills |
Student Cognitive Load |
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| HotLists |
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| Scrapbooks | Step 2 | ){kind=small}
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| Treasure Hunts | Step 2 |
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| Subject Samplers | Step 2 |
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Turn this WebQuest into a Tele-WebQuest by involving your students in online activities that enhance this learning experience. (eg. e-mail, chat)
| Tele-WebQuests | Step 4 |
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A Quest for Peace
An Internet WebQuest on East Timor
Introduction
What is this all about?
Since 1975 the people of East Timor have had a unsettled existence. As a reluctant part of the nation of Indonesia since the Portuguese left the country in 1975 there have been reports of violence, intimidation and persecution against the indigenous population.
Indonesia, particularly Bali is a popular tourist destination for many Australians. The many islands located in close proximity to the equator provide a tropical experience amongst a culturally diverse people. To go for a quick tour visit The Indonesian Tourist Information Office.
Situated north east of Darwin the island of Timor has been significant to Australians because of the assistance the Timorese people gave to the Australian troops during World war II. Many sacrifices were made when Dili was invaded by the Japanese. Details of what has been happening in East Timor since its annexation by Indonesia can be read on the ABC site.
1999 has seen more unrest following the Indonesian Government’s declaration that the people of East Timor would vote on the issue of independence. The people voted overwhelmingly for independence and have been subjected to acts of violence to the point where a peace-keeping force has been assembled. Relations between Australia and Indonesia are at an all time low and it would appear that we are embarking on a path that could change the way we view our nearest neighbour forever.
The task of making sense of an issue as complex as this is very difficult. Many Australians are making comments that suggest there is a quick solution but as you will uncover on this Quest for Peace it is not so easy. There is no yes or no answer to this quest however you have the opportunity to construct a road map for the path ahead and maybe even help some people who need it badly.
The Quest
The Australian Government has appointed you to a new committee called Peacenet to advise them on how to improve its relationship with the Indonesia Government. Central to their concerns is how we are to assist the East Timorese people in their quest for independence and at the same time keeping peace in the region as a whole. You will be meeting with representatives from key groups involved in the matter at a Regional Convention where an action plan will be developed, for the Australian Government to coordinate, through debate and compromise.
Specifically: What role should Australia take in the South East Asian Region?
The Process and Resources
In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about East Timor. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.
You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Web Work
Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these questions as fully and insightfully as you can.
Telecommunications
Share your findings with others, read their views and develop your own
Use the e-mail list to share perspectives and information on the key questions associated with the topic. Talk about your feelings, thoughts and ideas on the issue.
For Teachers: Invite guests on line who have worked, studied or lived in the area. You may well be able to make contact with people through the following sites or try University lecturers, Government Dept officials.
For hints on how to host an online guest:
East Timor Home Page: ABC Australia: - This site provides useful background on the issue.
TimorNet: University of Coimbra, Portugal - Information is presented on Timor history, geography and culture, books and papers, further links across the Internet, or contacts with International Organisations dealing with East Timor. You can also get information about on-line conferences where East Timor is frequently debated, or how to receive daily news from East Timor.
Department of Trade and Foreign Affairs and Trade: Australia - Travel advice for Australians
Timor Today - A group calling themselves the East Timor International Support centre has compiled a comprehensive resource on the matter.
Indonesia Net - A collection of links to Indonesian based resources. Of special interest may be the links to Indonesian newspapers on line. Look for the link to versions written in English.
ABC Video Report -USA involvement (18.9.99) - The US makes a small contribution to the East Timor peacekeeping force. Craig McMurtrie reports.
ABC Video Report -Australian Troops to East Timor (18.9.99) - Australian troops under Major-General Cosgrove are set to enter East Timor this weekend.
ABC Audio Report - Indonesian Troops withdraw (18.9.99) - Indonesian troops begin to withdraw from East Timor.
ABC Audio Report -Food Drops (18.9.99) - The first successful humanitarian aid is dropped to East Timorese refugees.
Address to the Nation (19.9.99) - The Prime Minister, John Howard addresses the nation.
CNN News Coverage - CNN's Asia Now service is providing comprehensive coverage of the East Timor crisis.
Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives
Web Work
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.
2. Read through the files linked to your group. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.
3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.
4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based on what you have learned from the links for your role.Telecommunications
Debate and discuss the following hypothesis online from the point of view of your role. Keep to the facts and opinions of the 'role' as you understand them.
'Australia should not be interfering in what is an Indonesian internal matter because it will lead to instability in the region.'
Logistical suggestions
Role teams could post their position on the issue as a homework exercise, with students taking turns to post on a daily basis.
UN Aid worker
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to UN Aid worker:
1. How have the Human Rights of the East Timorese been violated?
2. What has been happening in the lead up to the current crisis?
3. Why did the UN have to leave the island?
4. What impact has the UN departure had on the East Timorese?
5. How can we help the East Timorese people?
The Question of East Timor: United Nations Mission in East Timor. - Documentation associated with the United Nations efforts in East Timor.
Australia Embassy, Jakarta - Read about the advice Australian's living in Indonesia are
East Timorese national
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to East Timorese national:
1. What is the background the the current crisis?
2. What impact have the militia had on life in East Timor?
3. How have people been affected by the violance?
4. Why do East Timorese want independence from Indonesia?
5. How can peace be achieved?
Amnesty International's East Timor Crisis Page - Reports on violance in East Timor
Amnesty International-Australia - Testimonies and stories about the violance in East Timor
Pro-Jakarta militia member
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Pro-Jakarta militia member:
1. In what activities has the militia been involved in the lead up to the 1999 referendum and since that time?
2. What is the relationship between the Indonesian army and the militia?
3. Why do the East Timorese want independence from Indonesia?
4. What effect will that have on the well being of the country?
5. How can peace be achieved in the region?
TNI (ABRI) - Presented in Bahasa Indonesia 'TNI-Net' includes general information about the Indonesian political system. There's also recent material outlining the role the military sees itself playing within Indonesia's new political system.
Indonesian elected representative (pro integration)
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Indonesian elected representative (pro integration):
1. Why is East Timor important to the Indonesian Government?
2. What is there some concern about Australia's role in the matter?
3. What is the relationship between the military and the Government?
4. How does the Government view the issue of independence for East Timor?
5. How can peace be restored in the region?
Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs. - This site includes official government papers on East Timor and some interesting articles on the situation.
Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus
You have all learned about a different part of East Timor. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should be part of your team's answer to the Task / Quest(ion). Your WebQuest team should write out an answer that everyone on the team can live with.
Phase 4 - Real World Feedback
You and your teammates have learned a lot by dividing up into different roles. Now's the time to put your learning into a letter you'll send out for real world feedback. Together you will write a letter that contains opinions, information, and perspectives that you've gained. Here's the process:
1. Begin your letter with a statement of who you are and why you are writing your message to this particular person or organization.
2. Give background information that shows you understand the topic.
STATE THE TASK / QUEST(ION) AND YOUR GROUP'S ANSWER.
3. Each person in your group should write a paragraph that gives two good reasons supporting the group's opinion. Make sure to be specific in both the information (like where you got it from on the Web) and the reasoning (why the information proves your group's point).
4. Have each person on the team proofread the message. Use correct letter format and make sure you have correctly addressed the email message. Use the link below to make contact. Send your message and make sure your teacher gets a copy.
Write to the Prime Minister
Telecommunications
Conclusion
So is an elephant smooth, rough, soft, or hard? Well, when you're blindfolded and only *looking* at one part, it's easy to come up with an answer that may not be completely right. It's the same for understanding a topic as broad or complex as East Timor: when you only know part of the picture, you only know part of the picture. Now you all know a lot more. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of East Timor could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.
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Content by oz-TeacherNet, d.kember@qut.edu.au http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/webeasttimoz.html Last revised Fri Sep 17 18:03:14 US/Pacific 1999 |
