An Introduction to WebQuests

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

2. 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!

3. 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

4. Use information rather than look for it WebQuests… 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. Are more than simply collecting & spitting back info.

5. 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.

6. Cr: CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN Middle: Harry Potter is Coming to Town Middle: Acid Rain High School: A Cell City High School: Earth Science Let’s look at a WebQuest

7. Introduction Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion 6 Critical Elements

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

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

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

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

12. Evaluation • Evaluated by using a rubric • Examines different aspects of the student product • Establishes benchmarks for each aspect • Print out and give to students • http://rubistar.4teachers.org

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

14. Evaluating WebQuests Many educators have created WebQuests and posted them online – why not use them in your classroom? Before doing so, it’s 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?

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

16. More WebQuest information • The Official WebQuest Page (http://edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/webquest.html) • Warwick WebQuest