Learning the Webquest WayJoanna Gerakios

Wednesday on the Web

Objectives

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?

Developed by Bernie Dodge of University of San Diego

Inquiry-based lesson model

Information comes from and activities are based around the Internet

Webquests101http://lightspeed.robinson.k12.tx.us/

safevideos/SearchResults.aspx?search=webquest

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

Interesting, real-life task is at the core

Involves higher-level thinking: problem-solving, 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

Task Describe the desired end product or result

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

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

enrichment Credits

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

Teacher Page Introduction

Origin of the lesson and what it is about Learners

Grade level, content areas, prior knowledge/skills needed Curriculum Standards

Objectives, outcomes, and types of thinking skills Process

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

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 Civil Rights (HS)

Insurance Agents Weather Watchers (MS)

Water Cycle (Elem)

Survival (Elem)

Meterology (Primary)

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

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 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 Google Docs 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

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

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)

Templates: Original Template(can use in

web design software or cut and paste into Word)

Framed Templates (for web design)

Webquest Guides: Design Process Process Checklist (to

use when designing/adapting)

Process Guides (for students)

More Webquest Resources

WebQuest Home The Webquest Place Concept to Classroom Webquest Workshop Exploring, Using, Adapting, and Creating

Webquests Teachers First Webquest Collection