WebQuests for learning

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WebQuestsfor learning

• Ron Mastine

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An introduction
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the concept

• The originator, Bernie Dodge, 1995, San Diego
• A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented online tool for
  learning, it
• can be as short as a single class period
  (knowledge acquisition and integration) or as
  long as a month-long unit (extending and refining
  knowledge)
• usually (though not always) involves group work,
  with division of labor among students who take on
  specific roles or perspectives (reporter,
  engineer, detective, )
• is built around resources that are pre-selected
  (by the teacher). Students spend their time USING
  information, not LOOKING for it. (scaffolding,
  guided discovery)

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ingredients

• Student-centered
• Constructivism
• Active learning
• Project-based learning
• Guided discovery
• Cognitive-based
• Critical thinking
• Information transformation
• Problem-solving
• Cooperative-based learning

• Intrinsic motivation
• Authentic materials
• Authentic assessment
• Strategic learning
• Multiple intelligences
• Technology integration
•  Cross-curricular competencies
• Meta cognitive

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steps in a WebQuest

• An introduction that sets the stage and provides
  some background information. 
• A task that is doable and interesting. 
• A set of information sources needed to complete
  the task.
• A description of the process including
  cooperative roles.
• Guidance on how to organize the information
  acquired. (scaffolding)
• A conclusion or project that brings closure to
  the quest, reminds the learners about what
  theyve learned, and perhaps encourages them to
  extend the experience into other domains. 

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technology access

• No computer
• Print
• No Internet access
• Transfer
• Few computers
• Designate and rotate, extend

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examples

• Primary
• Secondary
• Long
• Short

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D
H
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choices

• As is
• Language skills vs. interest
• Modify
• Re-write, review links
• Make
• Templates, Questions, Resources

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scaffolding WebQuest skills

• Scavenger hunts
• navigate investigate Internet resources
• Hotlists
• gather resources
• MM Scrapbook
• Manipulate resources
• Subject sampler
• integrate methodogical and technological skills
  based on interest.

S
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scaffolding computer skills

• Mini projects / activities
• Introduce e-mail, word processing,
  presentation and web page construction.
• Use directed or online tutorials within a
  cooperative environment.

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resources

• Matrix
• Collections
• The WebQuest Window
• Station05.qc.ca/css/cybersite/

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Ron_at_csdessommets.qc.ca