Using WebQuests in the Classroom Developing and locating inquiry-oriented activities that utilize the Internet

Agenda Overview of WebQuests Look at some examples Play the role of the student in a WebQuest Search for WebQuests How to modify or make your own WebQuest

What is a WebQuest? inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web designed to use the learners’ time well support learners thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation developed in 1995 by Bernie Dodge with Tom March

There are five basic components of an average WebQuest. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion

set the stage for the activity catch the student’s attention to draw them into the quest provide background information

state what the students will be required to do avoid surprises down the road detail what products will be expected and the tools that are to be used to produce them

give a step-by-step description, concise and clearly laid out provide links to Internet sites interwoven within the steps

display a rubric to measure the product as objectively as possible leave little room for students guessing what the teacher wants

summarize the experience allow reflection about the process add higher level questions that may be researched at another time. give food for thought as to where they can go with the info they have learned, using it in a different situation

How do WebQuests relate to the NETS? Basic Operations & Concepts Social, Ethical, & Human Issues Productivity Tool Communication Tool Research Tool Problem-Solving & Decision Making Tool WebQuests can relate to every standard, depending on how they are set up.

Some Examples Author Study Farmer Boy and I Give Jonas a New Home Stranded

More Examples ojects/Grassroots/Planet%20WebQuest/W ebQuest2.html ojects/Grassroots/Planet%20WebQuest/W ebQuest2.html nderella.htm nderella.htm earningmaps/webquests/new_math_poetr y/main.htm earningmaps/webquests/new_math_poetr y/main.htm

Try One

Sources for WebQuests Try your favorite search engine with the keyword “Webquest” and a topic you teach Make your own Modify an existing WebQuest

Sources for this presentation : Memphis schools taskforce on technology Why WebQuests by Tom March Clipart and basic form from Memphis schools Training Materials from San Diego State University