Using WebQuests in the Classroom

1. Using WebQuests in the Classroom Ben Johnson http://www.psd.k12.co.us/staff/benj ben.johnson@cahs.colostate.edu

2. What is a WebQuest? • An inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet Bernie Dodge - WebQuest Inventorpicture from education-world.com

3. Why Use a WebQuest? • They’re Free! (Written by teachers like you.) • Increases Student Motivation • Provides Real World Experiences • Real topics • Real resources • Develops Higher Level Thinking Skills • Promotes cooperative learning

4. Components of a WebQuest? • Introduction to motivate students about the challenge ahead of them (ex1ex2) • A description of the task they must complete(usually a product or verbal presentation) (ex1ex2) • A suggested process to complete the task(clearly described steps) (ex1ex2) • Resources (usually links to other web sites) (ex1 ex2) • An evaluation rubric (to measure results) (ex1ex2) • A conclusion to bring closure to the activity (ex1ex2)

5. Advice • Carefully select the WebQuest. • Go through all the roles of the WebQuest (do all of the tasks as if you are the student). • Check all of the links ahead of time. • Estimate the time it will take to finish the WebQuest and reserve the lab for plenty of time. • Make sure students have a good understanding of the WebQuest. You should go over it with them before you take them into the lab. Assign roles and groups.

6. Advice (continued) • Load all of the resource sites into the district’s proxy server ahead of time if possible. • Print all worksheets and handouts ahead of time instead of having students print them. • Have a back up plan just incase you encounter technical difficulties. WebQuest Sources: (Bernie Dodge) • Examples: Approved by Bernie Dodge • http://edweb.sdsu.edu/WebQuest/matrix.html • Collections: From school districts and universities • http://edweb.sdsu.edu/WebQuest/WebQuest_collections.htm