1. Introduction to Webquests Samina Khaliq Tricia Watson

2. What is a Webquest? A webquest is defined as an inquiry- oriented activity, in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the web. Webquests are designed to use learners’ time well, to focus on using information rather than on looking for it, and to support learners’ thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. »(Bernie Dodge – “Mr. Webquest”) Samina&Tricia

3. Are Webquests Valuable Educationally? Webquests utilizes the imagination, creative-thinking, and problem-solving skills of the learner. It improves communication skills through group work in a guided manner. Students are engaged in critical thinking and independent learning. Samina&Tricia

4. What Are the Components of a Good Webquest? Introduction – is designed to prepare and capture the students’ attention. Click on the text below to see an introduction to a Comparative Democracy webquest.Comparative Democracy webquest. Samina&Tricia

5. Components Continued - Task Task – this is the main part of the learning activity, and describes what they are going to do. Click on the following link Snapshot in Time to see an example of the task component.Snapshot in Time Samina&Tricia

6. Components Continued - Process Process- gives specific instruction on what to do resulting in a final product. Click on the following link to see an example on the process of a webquest Amistad Case: A Mock TrialAmistad Case: A Mock Trial Samina&Tricia

7. Components Continued - Evaluation Evaluation – describes the criteria needed to meet performance and content standards. The following link will give an example http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/kearny/biotec h/evaluation.htm Samina&Tricia

8. Components Continued - Conclusion Conclusion – brings closure to the activity and provides reflection upon what was learned. The following is a link to an example of a conclusion. http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/missio n/iss/conclusion.htm http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/missio n/iss/conclusion.htm Samina&Tricia

9. What Are Rubrics? Why Do Teachers Need Them for Webquests? Rubrics are authentic assessment tools. It is used to assess complex criteria. They have advantages such as: It clarifies the criteria of the activity It gives students clear pictures on their work will be evaluated It provides useful feedback. Samina&Tricia

10. Strengths of Webquests Webquests can engage the students by giving them a variety of learning activities. It is oriented to most learning styles. It allows for cooperative learning but individual assessment. Samina&Tricia

11. Weaknesses of Webquest The auditory learner may be at a disadvantage. It relies on computer skills that individual students may not have. Teachers maybe intimidated by webquests. If proper guidance is not given, it may hinder the learning process rather than help the student. Classes could become computer skills classes rather than covering the given content. Samina&Tricia

12. Conclusion Webquests are enjoyable and an extremely productive use of the students’ time, if it is utilized correctly. Samina&Tricia