WebQuests: The Internet Scavenger Hunt Helen Teague

WebQuests: Definition A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which students interact with information gleaned primarily from resources on the Internet. Bernie Dodge, 1997

Student-Centered/Active Learning: Active Learning engages students in activities involving the application of course content. Students are required to perform--not just listen. Active Learning promotes greater retention and transfer of knowledge.

Advantages Provide the Freedom to Learn by Accessing Multiple Resources Essential Component of the Constructivist Theory of Learning Opportunities For Teachers: Integrate Technology into the curriculum For Students: Construct Perceptions, Beliefs, and Values out of their experience. Beane, 1997

Thinking Skills Utilized: ComparingApplication AnalyzingDeducing InducingSynthesis EvaluationClassifying

In their study of _______________ students will complete a Webquest called ________________ and combine their problem-solving skills with analysis of web site data to produce a _________________. (product name here) Lesson Objective

WebQuest Components: Introduction Intended Audience: the student. Short paragraph to introduce the activity or lesson to the students. The purpose of this section is to both prepare and interest the class. “The Hook!” Set the stage using the principles of CPS Creative Problem Solving (e.g., "You are a detective trying to identify...") You may want to assign roles: one student is the Visionary, one student is the Recorder, one is the Timekeeper, etc...

WebQuest Components: The Task Describe clearly and succinctly what the end result of the learners' activities will be. Sample tasks:  problem or mystery to be solved;  position to be formulated and defended;  product to be designed;  complexity to be analyzed; summary to be created  a creative work, or  anything that requires the learners to process  and transform the information they've gathered. (Save the actual steps for the “Process” section.)

WebQuest Components: The Process What steps should the learners go through? The more detail and care you put into this, the better. Remember the webquest is addressed to the student so describe the steps using the 2nd person. First you'll be assigned to a team of 4 students... Once you've picked a role to play.... Go to the bookmarked sites to find information... and so on.

WebQuest Components: The Process (con’t) Provide ideas for organization of the information that the students gather. Examples: flowcharts, graphic organizers, mindmaps, etc... The advice could also take the form of a checklist of questions to analyze the information with, or things to notice or think about. Link students to any “E-Sheets” or prepared guide documents on the Web that cover specific skills needed for this lesson (e.g. how to brainstorm, cite sources, etc…)

Online Project Components: Evaluation Describe how performance will be evaluated. Specify whether there will be a grade for group work vs. individual grades, weight of content, mechanics, etc.. Rubrics work great here:

WebQuest Components: Conclusion Summarize in one sentence what students will have accomplished or learned by completing the webquest. Try to include extension questions or additional links to encourage further thinking beyond this webquest experience.

WebQuest Components: Credits & References List the sources of any images, music or text. Provide links back to the original source, if possible.

Website References: The WebQuest Site: Teach-nology: nology.com/web_tools/web_quest/ nology.com/web_tools/web_quest/ Kathy Schrocks PowerPoint on WebQuests: discoveryschool.com/schrockguide/webquest/wqsl1.html

Questions? Now, It’s Our Turn!!!