What is a WebQuest? By: Mary Minor

Definition: A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet, optionally supplemented with videoconferencing. There are at least two levels of WebQuests. Bernie Dodge

Types of WebQuest Short Term: is knowledge acquisition and integration Learner acquires a large volume of information and is able to understand it. Completion: one to two class periods Longer Term: the extension and refining of knowledge Deeper interpreting and demonstration of understanding of material Completion: between one week and a month

Longer term WebQuest Comparing Classifying Inducing Analyzing perspectives Deducing Analyzing errors Constructing support Abstraction

Critical Attributes: Introduction: sets the stage and provides background information Task: doable and interesting Information Sources: enables completion of task. Process: method of completing task Guidance and Conclusion

Non-critical Attributes Group Activities Motivational Elements: role playing such as: (scientist, detective, reporter) Capable of use within a single discipline or interdisciplinary

Design Steps Locate available resources Organize knowledge of available resources Identify topics that are aligned to curriculum Use appropriate materials on-line Use a template as a guide for the creation of a short term, single discipline

References Clarke,J.H.( patterns of thinking: Integrating learnin)g skills in content teaching. Needham Heights MA: Allyn and Bacon Marzano, R. J., Brandt, R.S., Hughes, C.S., Jones,B.f., Presseisen, B, Z.,Rankin, Marzano,R.J.(1992). A different kind of classroom:

Samples and Guides to WebQuest Design Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators: Webquests in Our future: quide/webquest/webquest.html quide/webquest/webquest.html Coollessons.org

Samples WebQuest video