WEB QUESTS

Definition

0 An inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that students interact with comes from resources on the Internet0 Students usually work in teams0 Activity involves some level of problem-solving0 Works well with interdisciplinary lessons0 Often begins with research and ends with a completed

product of some kind (i.e., presentation, paper, book, etc. - something to show what the student has learned)

Why Web Quests?

0 Bring together the most effective instructional practices into one integrated student activity0 Increase motivation0 Develop thinking skills0 Cooperative learning process

Two types

0 Short term0 1-3 class periods0 Instructional goal is knowledge acquisition and

integration0 Long term

0 1 week to 1 month0 Instructional goal is extending and refining knowledge

Critical Attributes of a Web Quest

0 Introduction0 Task0 Process0 Evaluation0 Conclusion

Introduction

0 Introduces students to the online learning activity0 Often starts with a story in which the student plays a

role, i.e., “You are about to embark on a powerful adventure.”

Task

0 Defines the learning outcomes of the WebQuest activity

0 Primary objective that students will undertake, general and brief overview

0 Keep the ‘inquiry-based’ characteristic in mind!!

Process

0 The ‘heart’ of the activity 0 Generally the longest section0 The step-by-step guidance about the expectations 0 Resources, usually carefully selected web links, to

provide information, exploration, etc. to accomplish task

0 Not ‘spoon fed’ though – room for independent and creative work

Evaluation

0 Essential part to ensure students understand how success will be evaluated

0 Great place for a rubric, since the end product is project-based!

Conclusion

0 Designed to encourage students to reflect, seek further information

0 End with additional web links to explore deeper,or with related games, extra credit, journal prompts to help students reflect on their learning.

Examples

0 There are many poor ones so think critically when reviewing other WebQuests for ideas

0 Some resources (all available via Livebinders):0 WebQuest.org (Dr. Bernie Dodge, SDSU)0 Concept to Classroom0 Annette Lamb’s Eduscapes0 Templates:

0Zunal (free)0Google Sites (free)0WebQuest.Org – Quest Garden ($, but free trial)