1 Reading-Centered Learning Through Literature-Rich WebQuests Presenters: Lynn Urban & Dee Schmidt

2 Objectives By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to Identify ways that technology can bring reading alive for students Describe the characteristics and components of a WebQuest Adapt and create literature-based WebQuests

3 New Literacies The Internet New text formats New purposes for reading New ways to interact with information

4 Bring Reading Alive Technology can Expand the reading experience Make reading more concrete Help with understanding Draw reading and resources together within meaningful, inquiry-based activities

5 Is it a WebQuest? Or is it simply a web-enhanced lesson or activity?

6 WebQuests Developed in the mid-1990’s by Bernie Dodge of San Diego State University An inquiry-based approach to learning Involve students in tasks that make good use of Internet-based resources Provide an authentic, technology-rich environment for problem solving information processing collaboration

7 WebQuests Bring together the most effective instructional practices into one integrated student activity Critical thinking Cooperative Learning Authentic Assessment Technology Integration

8 Literature-based WebQuests Books become the focal point for activities Books become the focal point for activities Connect books with other resources Connect books with other resources Exploration of characters, themes, plots, settings, genres, authors, and connections Exploration of characters, themes, plots, settings, genres, authors, and connections

9 Literature-based WebQuests Characters Characters Theme & plot Theme & plot Settings Settings Genres Genres Authors Authors Connections Connections

10 Elements of a WebQuest 1.Introduction 2.Task 3.Process 4.Evaluation 5.Conclusion 6.Teacher’s Notes

11 Elements of a WebQuest 1. Introduction Prepare the reader (set the stage for learning)Prepare the reader (set the stage for learning) Hook the reader (make it interesting and motivating)Hook the reader (make it interesting and motivating) Communicate the “big question” that the WebQuest is centered aroundCommunicate the “big question” that the WebQuest is centered around

12 Elements of a WebQuest 2. Task Focus learners on what they are going to doFocus learners on what they are going to do Describe the culminating performance or product that drives all of the learning activitiesDescribe the culminating performance or product that drives all of the learning activities DO NOT list the steps they will go through (that is the “process”)DO NOT list the steps they will go through (that is the “process”)

13 Elements of a WebQuest 3. Process Steps learners should go through to accomplish the taskSteps learners should go through to accomplish the task Online resources learners will useOnline resources learners will use Scaffolding strategies (building background, checking for understanding, organizing, roles students will take)Scaffolding strategies (building background, checking for understanding, organizing, roles students will take)

14 Elements of a WebQuest 4. Evaluation Describe for learners the evaluation criteria needed to meet performance and content standardsDescribe for learners the evaluation criteria needed to meet performance and content standards Specify grading procedure - group work vs. individual workSpecify grading procedure - group work vs. individual work Include any items such as contracts, checklists, rubricsInclude any items such as contracts, checklists, rubrics

15 Elements of a WebQuest 5. Conclusion Culminating activity to bring project to a closeCulminating activity to bring project to a close Encourage reflection on what they’ve learnedEncourage reflection on what they’ve learned Extend the learning beyond this experienceExtend the learning beyond this experience

16 Elements of a WebQuest 6. Teacher’s Notes Information to help other teachers implement the WebQuestInformation to help other teachers implement the WebQuest Could include: target learners, standards, notes for teaching the unit, other resources, examples of student workCould include: target learners, standards, notes for teaching the unit, other resources, examples of student work

17 Evaluating WebQuests Does it fit the definition of a WebQuest? Does it fit the definition of a WebQuest? Is it written in the language of the student? Is it written in the language of the student? Will students find it interesting, motivating, or moving? Will students find it interesting, motivating, or moving? Use a rubric to evaluate all components of the WebQuest. Use a rubric to evaluate all components of the WebQuest.rubric