Learning The Webquest Way

Learning the Webquest Way

Objectives 

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Define what a webquest is and explain its components Understand reasons for using a webquest Identify areas of my curriculum that lend themselves to using a webquest Conduct searches and find already-created webquests that fit my curriculum Determine how to adapt already-created webquests for my use Explore the possibilities of creating my own webquest

What is a Webquest? 

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Developed by Bernie Dodge of University of San Diego Inquiry-based lesson model Information comes from and activities are based around the Internet

Webquests101

What makes a quality Webquest? Webquest is more than:  A document containing hyperlinks and questions to answer  Fact gathering  Or just a series of activities

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Interesting, real-life task is at the core Involves higher-level thinking: problemsolving, synthesis, analysis, evaluation, creativity Internet is the primary resource for information Should tie to curriculum standards

Components of a Webquest 

Introduction Provide overview or describe scenario Hook the “audience” Communicate the Essential and Guiding questions

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Task Describe the desired end product or result

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Process Steps needed to accomplish the task Embed links to online information sources and helps such as organizers, guides, checklists, etc.

Components (cont.) 

Evaluation Describe how the process and product will be evaluated Group and/or individual grades ? Rubrics are commonly used

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Conclusion Summarize what should be accomplished Rhetorical questions or additional links for extension or enrichment

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Credits Any books, websites, images, sounds, etc. used to prepare the webquest

Teacher Page 

Introduction Origin of the lesson and what it is about

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Learners Grade level, content areas, prior knowledge/skills needed

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Curriculum Standards Objectives, outcomes, and types of thinking skills

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Process Cut and paste Process Description for students Add details for implementing the lesson 

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Grouping, time needed, variations, related lessons

Resources Needed Conclusion/Summary Credits

Why and when to use a Webquest? Why? Motivational  Learning tied to real-world tasks  Authentic audience  Resources are timely and from multiple perspectives  Encourage higher level thinking and cooperative learning

When? Does it tie to curriculum standards?  Does it replace a lesson you're not satisfied with?  Do the objectives lend themselves to open-ended questioning?  Is the Internet an appropriate source?  Is higher order thinking involved?

Examples 

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Civil Rights (HS)

Insurance Agents Weather Watchers (MS)

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Water Cycle (Elem)

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Survival (Elem)

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Meterology (Primary)

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Your Task Search the SDSU Database Use the Google search, if needed Find 2-3 Webquests that relate to your curriculum Evaluate the lessons' usefulness—what modifications would you need to make?

Finding and Adapting Existing Webquests   

Start with a topic or standard Conduct a search Evaluate and determine ​? Use as is Minor changes Need to modify

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See the full document: Adapting and Enhancing Existing Webquests This method requires some knowledge of web design, but there are other ways . . .

Other Ways to Deliver Your Webquest 

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If you are not “up to” creating your webquest as a webpage, you can copy and paste the content into Word, Powerpoint, or a wiki or blog To give students access Post document on school's Common Folder Post on a wiki, blog, or School Notes site URL of existing webquest (if not changing) Use a template or online tool If you “piggyback,” remember to get permission and/or credit the source.

Tips for Tweaking 

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Try to start with a WQ with at least 3/5: Up to date links Good layout and presentation Engaging task using higher level thinking Aligns with our curriculum Readability is a good match for your students

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Make list of edits or enhancements needed to meet your/your students needs Verify/update links Use Evaluation Rubric Review Design Patterns Get a Peer Review Student Test Drive

Tools, Templates, and Guides 

Online Tools (do not require website design or upload): Quest Garden ($20 for 2 yrs.) Filamentality (free) zWebQuest (free)

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Templates: Original Template(can use in web design software or cut and paste into Word) Framed Templates (for web design)

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Webquest Guides: Design Process Process Checklist (to use when designing/adapting) Process Guides (for students)

More Webquest Resources

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WebQuest Home The Webquest Place Concept to Classroom Webquest Workshop Google Advanced Search Four NETS for Better Searching Rubrics for Student Assessments Five Rules for Writing a Great Webquest

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Exploring, Using, Adapting, and Creating Webquests

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