WikiWebQuests!

Challenge your students with a inquiry oriented

lesson.

Staff Development February 16, 2009

Presented by:Robin Young and Irma Bauer

What are WebQuests ??

• Are online and promotes critical thinking

• Backed by research and sound methodology

• Provides a framework to start with

• Flexible for all subjects• Does not have a set length or

end product• Easy to publish and get

started• Promotes 21st Century Skills

A WebQuest is:• an inquiry-oriented lesson

format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web.

• is wrapped around an authentic, doable and interesting task

• requires higher level thinking, including synthesis, analysis, problem-solving, creativity and judgment.

Taken from http://webquest.org/index-create.php

A well prepared webquest allows teachers to work with individuals

and groups during the class period.

A WebQuest is NOT:

• a research report or a step-by-step science or math procedure.

• simply summarizing what they have learned

• a series of web-based experiences.

• a hunt for facts for a worksheet/ graphic organizer

Taken from http://webquest.org/index-create.php

Pieces of a WebQuest

• Introduction - hook• Task – identify outcome• Process (and resources) – step

by step• Evaluation - rubric• Conclusion – extending

question• Credits – who created it• Teacher Page – what do other

teachers need to know to implement your project.

See: http://wikiwebquest.wikispaces.com/

Introduction

• Your hook - Why am I about to learn this and why should I care?

• Ties into student’s previous learning.

• Foreshadows what the lesson is about with a engaging description or a compelling question or problem.

Task

• The end result – what are the students going to do in this unit/lesson.

• Doable and engaging• Makes students think

beyond basic comprehension!

• Outcome should include choices!

Process and Resources

• Step by Step instructions with the resources needed embedded in each step.

• Each step is clear and can be followed by reading it.

• Steps move from basic knowledge to higher level thinking.

• Built in Checks for Understanding

Evaluation

• Rubric for Grading.• Students should know

what they are getting graded on and how BEFORE they begin.

• Qualitative and Quantitative descriptors.

Conclusion

– Extending Question– What can they do with

the information they have gained through the webquest

Teacher Page

• How to teach this lesson including handouts and other teaching resources.

• Very helpful for others who find your lesson and want to use it.

• Optional – but highly suggested!

You don’t have to start from scratch!

Take an existing one and rewrite it to meet your TEKS –

control the resources!

Design Patterns

• WebQuests usually fall into certain types of design patterns.

• Take a few minutes to look over these links to get ideas for your webquest:– http://webquest.sdsu.edu/

taskonomy.html– http://webquest.sdsu.edu/

designpatterns/all.htm

Work Time!

• Start planning your webquest – grab a partner or work alone – your choice!

• Go online and check out what is there: http://Webquest.org

• Check out the design patterns for samples

• Begin tweaking a webquest

Where to Post Your WebQuest

• Suggestion: Wikis! (wikispaces)

• Why Wikis:• Free• Easily to learn• Easy to edit• Several Teachers could edit

the webquest at any time (great for adding resources and clarifying directions)

• http://www.wikispaces.com/site/for/teachers100K

Work Time

Begin posting your webquest online.

Be prepared to share!