A Quest ' ' '

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A Quest . . .

• . . . for an excellent WebQuest
• By Monica Stoilov

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What is a WebQuest?

• WebQuests are internet based activities.
• WebQuests are constructivist.
• WebQuests are teacher guided inquiry of a topic.

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What are NOT WebQuests?

• Online skill and drill activities E1 , E2
• Online Worksheets E1
• Online Info-labs E1
• Online surveys E1
• Online Web Hunts E1

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Are there any drawbacks to WebQuests?

• Missing linked sites quite frequently, web
  developers will either delete pages or simply
  move them to a different location so that the
  link is no longer available.
• Group nature may pose problems in student
  relationships.
• Computer access is imperative.

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Parts of A WebQuest

• Introduction - Sets the stage and distinguishes
• roles.
  Identifies problem to be solved.
• Task Describes the outcome to the problem
  what the
• students will have to
  accomplish in the end.
• Process Leads the students through steps in a
  guided
• inquiry process.
• Conclusion The denouement refers to the
  outcome of
• a complex
  situation.
• Evaluation An explanation of how students will
  be
• assessed.
• Teacher Page Resources on how to implement the
• project.

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Introduction

• A WebQuest introduction is the HOOK that gets
  students interested. It should be creative and
  upbeat, set in a problem to be solved and
  possibly story format. Check out the pages below
  for great examples!
• Literacy
• Storytelling
• OceanQuest (for younger students)
• Censorship

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Task

• Teaching with an outcome based curriculum
  facilitates the ease of development of this
  section.
• The backward design dictates that you ask the
  question What do I want my students to be able
  to do in the end WebQuests follow in this
  exact manner.
• Persuasive Argument
• Essay
• Storytelling
• Moon or Mars?

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Process

• The process is the steps a student must take to
  successfully complete their outcomes. These vary
  depending upon the age, task and available
  resources.
• Early elementary process
• Storytelling
• Central Asia
• Math - Metricquest
• Teacher resource about linking

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Conclusion

• This is a summary of what the students have
  accomplished. In short, it is a wrapping-up of
  the events a denouement.
• A conclusion should also provide extensions for
  the keener to further explore the topic. Now that
  a curiosity has been tweaked, give students an
  opportunity to explore further.
• Space
• Scientific Process
• Farm

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Evaluation

• The evaluation page details the expectations of
  the teacher. There are many formats that this may
  take.
• Rubric 1
• Rubric 2
• Evaluation table
• Checklist OR Checklist creator
• Scoring Chart

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Teacher Resource Page

• A resource page should be included as an
  instructional tool for teachers.
• Contents could include methodologies, additional
  lesson plans, outcomes covered, additional
  resources and background information on the
  topic.
• Outcomes
• Unit Outline

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??? Questions to Ponder

• Is the WebQuest more appropriate for certain
  subjects?
• What are the primary advantages of WebQuests?
• Does the process require a computer lab?
• How can you monitor progress and assess learning?
• What is the teachers role?

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The Official WebQuest site

• Bernie Dodge and Tom Marsh first developed the
  concept of the WebQuest
• http//webquest.sdsu.edu/ (Dodge)
• http//www.ozline.com/ (Marsh)
• Alternate formats
• http//www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/BHM/little_rock/
• http//www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/China/ChinaQuest.h
  tml

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Notable WebQuests

• A Primer for Surfing
• Lagoon Lament
• A Moment in Time
• The Big Wide World
• Finding the Lighthouse Diamond Thief
• The Ultimate Money

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YOUR Task Today

• Choose a topic that fits your curricular outcomes
  pair up if you would like!
• Begin by mapping your design
• Create the different sections of your webquest .
  . . Like a template.
• Research for appropriate internet resources
• Begin to put content on the pages.