WebQuests for Upper Elementary School Students Evaluation and Selection Presented by Denise Goble

What is a WebQuest? “A WebQuest is an inquiry- oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web. WebQuests are designed to use learners’ time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and to support learners’ thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.” -Bernie Dodge, 2005

WebQuests for Upper Elementary School Students Special Considerations

Vast differences in learning styles Wide range of ability levels Benefit from cooperative learning Enjoy using technology and the internet But… Possess only basic information literacy skills Lack sophisticated search skills Characteristics of Students

Ability to address multiple learning styles Opportunities for scaffolded and differentiated instruction Team approach enhances cooperative learning experience Interactive use of technology and the internet And… Encourage higher order thinking, problem solving, and information literacy Eliminate frustration caused by inefficient searching Benefits of WebQuests

Using Existing WebQuests Common problems: Inefficient design Broken Links Inaccurate information Age-appropriateness Subject matter does not align with curricular goals and standards

Step One: Examine Elements of Design Evaluating Existing WebQuests

Essential Design Elements Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction Prepares the reader Provides the “hook” Example

Task Tells learners what they are going to do Outlines objectives Must be doable and interesting Example

Process Describes how to complete task Includes steps, resources, and tools Example

Evaluation Describes how students will be evaluated Performance Rubric Example

Conclusion Summarizes what was learned Encourages reflection Includes additional questions or suggestions for further study Example

Evaluating Existing WebQuests Step Two: Check for Broken Links

Older WebQuests may contain invalid links Check ALL links Two options for broken links: Fix or Replace Broken Links

Evaluating Existing WebQuests Step Three: Determine Accuracy and Currency

Accuracy and Currency Older WebQuests may contain inaccurate or out-of-date information Check ALL sources Use Website evaluation rubrics Example

Evaluating Existing WebQuests Step Four: Assess Age-Appropriateness

Age-Appropriateness Most critical step for this age group Is task doable given abilities of students? Is content appropriate for ages 8-11? Check readability ◦Fry Readability Chart

Evaluating Existing WebQuests Step Five: Align with Curricular Goals and Standards

Curriculum Goals and Standards Many WebQuests were designed for use in other states or regions Do the objectives meet your curriculum goals? Can the WebQuest be aligned with your grade level content area standards?

Evaluation Tools Matrices and Rubrics

Original WebQuest Rubric by Bernie Dodge Assessing WebQuests by Tom March Rubric/Scoring Guide for WebQuests by eMints

Finding WebQuests Would You Use These WebQuests?

Sources of Existing WebQuests

Searchable Databases WebQuest.org -developed by Bernie Dodge BestWebQuests.com -developed by Tom March BGSU Curriculum Resource Center Popular search engines

Practical Application Let’s Search for WebQuests and Evaluate Them

Sample 1 Let’s search WebQuest.orgWebQuest.org ◦Subject? ◦Grade level? ◦Which one should we try? Now let’s evaluate it ◦Essential Elements? ◦Links? ◦Reliable information? ◦Age Appropriate? ◦Goals and Standards? ◦Would you use this WebQuest?

Sample 2 Let’s search GoogleGoogle ◦Search terms? ◦Results? ◦Which one should we try? Now let’s evaluate it ◦Essential Elements? ◦Links? ◦Reliable information? ◦Age Appropriate? ◦Goals and Standards? ◦Would you use this WebQuest?

Selecting Resources Where to Find Information on the Internet

Finding Information for WebQuests Using search engines ◦Tips for effective searches  Four Nets for Better Searching Four Nets for Better Searching The Hidden Web ◦InfomineInfomine ◦Librarians’ Internet IndexLibrarians’ Internet Index Electronic databases ◦INFOhioINFOhio

Questions?