Web Resources for Learning WebQuests, Scavenger Hunts, Class Pages, and More Making the Web-Tech Connection

Why use web resources for learning? The Internet is an easy way to build technology into your instruction Provides a refreshing way for students to look at subject material, and promotes student ownership. The web provides easy access to primary sources Uses multimedia to tap multiple senses and learning styles Gives access to up-to-date information to keep up with current events and a changing world

Disadvantages Not an instructional panacea Not a substitute for face-to-face instruction Depends on access to a working internet connection Online resource links may frequently need to be updated Literacy of students – locating material appropriate for student’s level Can be time consuming to create

Ways to integrate technology with instruction… Take ordinary lesson materials Make web resources part of the lesson Use technology in your teaching Make technology part of activity/assignment Require students to use technology as they work with information and create artifacts

Web Quests and Scavenger Hunts provide an easy way to integrate technology! 1.Good for meeting and enhancing content area goals and standards 2.Good for meeting technology standards

WebQuest or Scavenger Hunt ? What’s the difference

Both use excellent sites focused on the topic Both make more efficient use of student time Key: Teacher reviews and selects sites ahead of time

Start with lesson plans/units you have already created NO NEED TO REINVENT THE WHEEL!

Types of Scavenger Hunts Teacher asks questions and gives links necessary for student to answer the questions OR Teacher asks questions and the student finds links using a search engine to answer the questions.

How to create a Scavenger Hunt Pick the topic Locate websites to support the topic Create the questions to be answered (Create a key) Save the Scavenger Hunt as a website, or give it to students on paper Check links ahead of class to make sure they are still accurate

What are Web Quests ?

Web Quests are… Inquiry-oriented activities that require students to get the majority of their resources from the web They were first developed by Bernie Dodge, 1995 at San Diego State University

WebQuests Have a clearly defined structure Are a little more involved to create than a Scavenger Hunt – and may require more time for students to complete It’s a good idea to create a few Scavenger Hunts and develop some supporting activities prior to creating a Web Quest

What are the building blocks of a web quest?

Web Quest Building Blocks 1.Introduction 2.Task 3.Process 4.Resources 5.Evaluation 6.Conclusion 7.(Teacher Page)

Introduction Write a paragraph to set the stage and introduce the activity. Hook the students Communicate the “Essential Question”.

Task Describe succinctly the end result. Focus students on what they will do.

Process Give the steps the students will go through. Provide the scaffolding and outline the steps and resources students need to organize the information.

Resources Provide resources and tools that students need to complete the activity, Use resources that focus student time/energy on understanding and transforming information. Use: –Selected web and other predefined resources –Process guidesProcess guides –Visual Organizers

Evaluation Provide criteria necessary for evaluation. Describe what is required to meet standards. –Rubric –Reflection –Etc.

Conclusion Bring closure and encourage reflection. Tell what has been accomplished. Ask questions that encourage extending and transferring understanding into other areas.

Include a Teacher Page Provide information that will be helpful to other teachers who may want to use the Web Quest –Overview –Tips –Grade Level –Credits –Etc.

Compare Web Quests to what you already do: Lesson Plan Hook Objectives Lesson Guided/Independent Practice Conclusion WebQuest Introduction Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion

Tips Explore available WebQuests online for ideas Customize and adapt them for your own use Use them as is Look for collections of links –Themes –Subject area Visit school sites –Many excellent resources already on target for your needs Use search engines Plan your WebQuest on paper first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ENJOY!