Making Your Own Webquest

What is a webquest An inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that students interact with comes from resources on the web.

Key Features An Internet-based activity that is based around an engaged and doable task Emphasized higher-order thinking skills by challenging students to solve a problem Allows students to work in groups while teachers facilitate their learning Scaffolding alls ALL to participate Answers are not predefined– they must be discovered and created

What it is NOT! An internet “scavenger hunt” Only for gifted kids Simply answering questions and regurgitating what is on the screen One on answer to “solve” the webquest

How do Webquests Benefit Teachers See the center of gravity of your room move to the students – your classrooms becomes student- centered If you set it up right, you facilitate learning instead of directing it. Observe all your students succeed since this typ eo teaching supports all learners.

Components of a Webquest Introduction Task Process Information sources Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction Should orient learner to what is coming Should raise interest in the upcoming activity

Task Should describe what the learners will have done by the end of the Webquest

Description of the Process Should clearly describe the steps Should let the learner know the process to follow to successfully accomplish the task May provide advice for handling certain tasks

Set of Information Sources Should be list of web pages the instructor has selected to help the students accomplish the task

Evaluation Should be clear criteria for how the project will be evaluated Evaluation rubrics designed by the teacher are the most effective Rubistar is a good source for rubric making http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php

Conclusion Should bring closure to the webquest Should remind learners of what they have learned Should encourage them to extend the experience

Your Chance to Explore Webquest Break into groups Go to http://webquest.org/index-resources.php Under “A webquest about webquests” select and age group Wait for my directions

Let’s share our impression The Good, Bad & Ugly

Where do you start? Making vs Using

1st Option: Don’t reinvent the wheel

2nd Option: Build/Alter it Yourself Have an outline ready Alter it! Found a good one, but need to make a few changes.

Whether you choose Option 1,2 or 3 Just follow the steps below… 1. Decide on the Topic 2. Pick the Task 3. Formulate the Process 4. Research Meaningful Resources 5. Decide upon the Evaluation

Ready to Use Webquest http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/projects/index.html Grades K-3 http://eduscapes.com/sessions/travel/k3webquests.htm Grade k -2 http://www.literacy.uconn.edu/k2webqu.htm Winn-Dixie http://www.readingonline.org/electronic/elec_index.asp?H REF=/electronic/ boswell

Ready to Use Webquest Dinosaurs Techtreckers Webquest http://home.comcast.net/~saponaro/dino/dinowebquest.ht ml Techtreckers http://www.techtrekers.com/webquests/ Webquest http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/webq uest/webquest.html

Other sites CSI for history http://web.wm.edu/hsi/?svr=www http://www.teach- nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/computing/web_que sts/