An Introduction to WebQuests By Bruce Davidson Technology Resource Teacher Updated 10/11/01 jn

What are WebQuests? An inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet. We want ENGAGED learners using HIGHER- ORDER thinking skills!

Designed to… use learners' time well focus on using information rather than looking for it support learners' thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis and evaluation

Use information rather than look for it Are more than simply collecting & spitting back info. Use a central question that honestly needs answering to motivate students. Require higher- order thinking skills: Creativity Analysis Synthesis Judgment Problem- Solving Are just like a regular lesson plan: Decide what you want students to learn, what materials they will use, & how you will assess learning. Consider student interests, prior knowledge, and skill levels. WebQuests…

Benefits: One strategy for effectively integrating the web into classroom instruction. Student motivation & authenticity. Develop thinking skills (constructivist). Cooperative learning. Enables students to navigate and explore internet sites either independently or in small groups. *Developed by Bernie dodge at San Diego University.

Lets look at a WebQuest Cr: CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN Middle: Harry Potter is Coming to TownHarry Potter is Coming to Town Middle: Acid RainAcid Rain High School: A Cell CityA Cell City High School: Earth ScienceEarth Science

6 Critical Elements Introduction Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction The introduction sets the stage and provides some background information.

Task Constructivist in nature Understand what they have learned by creating something that others respond to Needs to be doable & interesting

Process Description of the steps that the students go through to accomplish the task Broken out into clearly defined steps

Resources Sources needed to complete the tasks Include: Web documents Experts available via or real-time conferencing Searchable databases on the net Books Videos

Evaluation Evaluated by using a rubric Examines different aspects of the student product Establishes benchmarks for each aspect Print out and give to students

Conclusion Should bring closure to the quest Remind the students about what they have learned Encourages them to extend the experience into other domains

Evaluating WebQuests Many educators have created WebQuests and posted them online – why not use them in your classroom? Before doing so, its critical that you be able to evaluate elements of a QUALITY WebQuest: Is it worth my class time? Will it engage my students? Is the task requiring higher-level thinking? Are students required to work together to produce a product?

WebQuest Evaluation Activity 1.Split into groups of 2-3, by grade level 2.Go to the following web site: WebQuestWebQuest 3.Click on the link to WQWQ1.htm for the activity

More WebQuest information The Official WebQuest Page ( The Official WebQuest Page Warwick WebQuest