Introduction to WebQuests

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Introduction to WebQuests

• Dr. Sheila Gersh
• sgersh_at_ccny.cuny.edu
• http//www.schoollink.org/twin

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What is a WebQuest?

• A WebQuest is defined, by Bernie Dodge at San
  Diego State University, as "an inquiry-oriented
  activity in which some or all of the information
  that learners interact with comes from resources
  on the Internet."

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Why Use A WebQuest?

• Increases Student Motivation
• Provides Real World Experiences
• real resources
• real tools
• Develops Higher Level Thinking Skills
• Promotes Cooperative Learning
• For more information
• http//www.ozline.com/webquests/intro.html

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What are the components of a WebQuest?

• Inquiry-oriented
• Based on doable, engaging tasks
• Uses pre-defined resources from the Web
• Can be short or long term
• Most likely to be group activities
• Should include role playing for learners

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What are the components of a WebQuest?

• There are six building blocks to a WebQuest.
• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Resources
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• Web page http//edweb.sdsu.edu/people/bdodge/webq
  uest
• /buildingblocks.html

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INTRODUCTION

• Should orient the learner to what is coming
• Should raise interest in the learner through a
  variety of means

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TASK

• A description of what the learner will have done
  at the end of the exercise
• Could be a product or a verbal presentation

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DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS

• Clearly describes steps
• strategies for dividing the task into subtasks
• descriptions of roles to be played
• perspectives to be taken by each learner
• Lets the learners know the process to go through
  to accomplish the task
• Can also provide learning advice

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SET OF INFORMATION SOURCES (RESOURCES)

• A list of Web pages
• located and pre-selected by the teacher
• helps the learner accomplish the task
• Allows the learners to focus their attention on
  the topic rather than surfing
• May include resources not on the Web
• All resources may not be used by all students

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EVALUATION

• Needs to be able to measure results
• An evaluation rubric is recommended
• designed by teachers
• vary depending on the kind of task given to the
  student
• Sample rubric http//edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/webq
  uestrubric.html

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ADVANTAGES OF USING RUBRICS

• Allows assessment to be more objective and
  consistent
• Shows the student how their work will be
  evaluated and what is expected
• Promotes student awareness of about the criteria
  to used in assessing peer performance
• Provides useful feedback regarding the
  effectiveness of the instruction

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CONCLUSION

• To summarize the experience
• To encourage reflection about the process
• To extend the experience into other domains
• To bring closure to the WebQuest